Northrop and Raytheon receive more than $170m to develop GPI interceptor to destroy hypersonic missiles outside the atmosphere

The US Department of Defence has awarded additional funding to Raytheon Missiles & Defence and Northrop Grumman, which are working on the Glide Phase Intercept (GPI) missile concept. The interceptor is designed to destroy hypersonic weapons.

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Northrop Grumman has received an additional $83.71 million, increasing funding to $239.37 million. The funds will allow the company to continue working on the GPI. Work will take place until 12 March 2024 in Arizona, Maryland, Colorado, Alabama and California.

Raytheon was awarded almost $88.68m. The total contract has grown to $241.49m. Work will be carried out in Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Texas and Alabama until 20 March next year.

From the name Glide Phase Intercept, it is clear that the interceptor is designed to destroy hypersonic weapons during the planning phase, i.e. when the missiles are outside the atmosphere. This is the longest phase of flight.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is trying to accelerate the pace of GPI development amid growing hypersonic capabilities in the Russian Federation and China. Contracts with Northrop Grumman and Raytheon were awarded in the summer of 2022. Total funding already exceeds $480 million.

Source: Pentagon