Raytheon’s Next Generation Short Range Interceptor has completed a successful ballistic test, marking a significant step in the company’s effort to replace the US Army’s Stinger surface-to-air missile. The test validated the interceptor’s launch performance from a man-portable launcher and demonstrated its ability to track drone targets, clearing the way for a future flight-test event.
The NGSRI design features a high-performance solid rocket motor supplied by Northrop Grumman, optimized to extend range and increase engagement speed. The missile is also equipped with an advanced seeker that supports longer-range target identification and engagement in both daylight and nighttime conditions. Raytheon has indicated that the interceptor is backward-compatible with existing launch systems, reducing the need for extensive new infrastructure.
The US Army began exploring a Stinger replacement in 2022, issuing a request for information to industry for a next-generation short-range air defense solution capable of countering unmanned aerial systems, rotary-wing aircraft, and fixed-wing threats. Raytheon and Lockheed Martin were awarded development contracts in September 2023, setting the stage for a competitive evaluation process.
During 2024 and 2025, both companies carried out multiple demonstrations to mature their designs ahead of flight testing. Lockheed Martin conducted the first flight test of its NGSRI concept in January 2026, advancing the missile from initial concept to flight in just over two years through the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies.
