A model of Lockheed Martin's solution for the Stinger missile replacement programme is being shown for the first time at the Association of the United States Army's annual meeting on 14–16 October. (Lockheed Martin)
A model of Lockheed Martin's platform developed for the next-generation short-range interceptor (NGSRI) will be on display for the first time ever at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual conference on 14 October.
In the past, the army has said a technology demonstration for NGSRI, the Stinger surface-to-air missile replacement, would take place in fiscal year (FY) 2024, an operational demonstration in FY 2026, and a production decision by FY 2027. Lockheed Martin confirmed to Janes that it has already participated in a soldier touchpoint earlier this year and is preparing for the next one before the end of the calendar year, according to Chris Murphy, lead for NGSRI.
A few flight tests are expected in 2025 in addition to some tests on the command launch assembly, he added. This phase of testing is expected to wrap up before the end of FY 2025.
The army is “hoping for some competition options” for the missile, which will have shorter time of flight and greater range in addition to a seeker and warhead geared towards generation five unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), Doug Bush, assistant secretary for acquisition, logistics, and technology, told reporters in June 2024. The service awarded other transaction authority (OTA) prototyping awards to RTX and Lockheed Martin in March 2023.
Although he declined to provide specifics on range, Murphy said Lockheed Martin engineers are exploring the possibility of increasing range beyond the requirements the army first requested.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...
