US Northrop to develop first hypersonic missile interceptor

The US Missile Defence Agency has selected Northrop Grumman as the contractor to continue development of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) programme.

Here's What We Know

Northrop's design for a new anti-aircraft missile outperformed its competitor Raytheon's design for the GPI (Glide Phase Interceptor) programme. The two companies have been working on their own interceptors since 2022, after Lockheed Martin withdrew from the programme.

Northrop will now continue to work on its GPI project, focusing on completing flight tests of the prototype and demonstrating its ability to operate at hypersonic speeds.

The US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) has requested $182 million in funding for GPI in the 2025 budget. The project is expected to reach initial operational capability by the end of 2029 and full operational capability in the 2030s.

Flashback

The Glide Phase Interceptor is a joint programme between the United States and Japan aimed at developing a long-range hypersonic missile interceptor for missile defence.

Within this programme, the two countries have shared funding and responsibility for the development of certain elements. The United States is responsible for developing the missile detection, guidance, and communications system. Japan is working on the first stage engine (upper stage) and the second stage (the interceptor itself).

The advanced anti-aircraft missiles will be deployed on warships, including Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, as well as on Typhon mobile missile systems.

Source: Northrop