Lockheed Martin reports successful burst test of Next Generation Interceptor second-stage motor

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 4, 2026 — Lockheed Martin said it has completed a key development milestone for the Next Generation Interceptor, successfully conducting a burst test of the program’s second-stage motor case and moving the effort toward a Critical Design Review later this year.

Engineers pressurized the motor case by filling it with a carbon-fiber reinforced water vessel and inflating it beyond anticipated launch levels. The structure withstood the required loads before failing, a result the company said validates the composite case’s strength-to-weight properties. The outcome also supports expectations that the motor case can endure the stresses of launch while providing the thrust needed to place the interceptor’s payload into orbit.

“This successful burst test is a significant milestone on the path to CDR and brings us closer to fielding NGI by 2030,” said Christopher Jewell, vice president, Lockheed Martin NGI. “It proves our advanced motor architecture can withstand the harsh conditions of flight and still perform with the precision required to help protect the nation.”

Lockheed Martin described the test as part of a broader push to accelerate development and production. The company said its digital development approach is enabling designs that once required years of physical iteration to be produced, fabricated and validated in months. It is also investing millions of dollars to build or expand dedicated manufacturing facilities in Alabama, adding advanced techniques, new production lines, tooling and optimized plant layouts to meet urgent demand. In parallel, the company said it is drawing on supply chain capabilities across the country to support delivery of the interceptor.

The NGI program is intended to strengthen the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense architecture and serve as a critical element of a next-generation missile defense solution. Lockheed Martin said the interceptor is designed to significantly increase the nation’s firepower against the most destructive ballistic missile threats.