Lockheed Martin demonstrates seeker capabilities in U.S. Army next-generation short-range interceptor competition

White Sands Missile Range, N.M., May 11, 2026 — Lockheed Martin’s QuadStar missile has completed the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) Seeker Characterization Flight Test, a risk-reduction milestone that advances the U.S. Army’s effort to field a successor to the legacy Stinger missile.

During the event, the missile launched from a Command Launch Assembly and flew a tactical trajectory, demonstrating seeker performance at a range exceeding the legacy system’s capability. The objective was to validate the seeker’s ability to capture imagery, process signals onboard, and maintain target tracking. The test confirmed Command Launch Assembly performance, critical system functionality, the affordability and innovation of the seeker technology, and overall QuadStar interceptor performance.

Program officials highlighted the milestone’s impact on schedule and capability, citing proof of core sensor and guidance functions that keep testing on or ahead of plan. The seeker characterization also validated an affordable, unique design intended to reliably engage unmanned vehicles as well as rotary- and fixed-wing threats. The interceptor leverages AI-driven signal processing and a modern open-systems architecture aimed at affordability, rapid updates, and modular upgrades. The flight followed a three-month sprint from first flight to the SCFT.

“Our team’s shared mission, innovative approach and agility were essential to achieving this milestone,” said Randy Crites, vice president, Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs. “The successful SCFT demonstrates we remain on course to deliver a next-generation interceptor that will defend our warfighters and allies well into the future.”

“Completing the seeker characterization in under six months highlights the speed, flexibility and drive the Lockheed Martin team brings to this customer,” said Chris Murphy, business development lead, Lockheed Martin NGSRI. “We remain committed to delivering highly capable, readily manufacturable and affordable solutions that meet the Army’s immediate and future needs.”