Raytheon completes successful demo of Next Generation Short Range Interceptor

Credit: RTX

RTX's Raytheon has announced the successful demonstration of its Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI), a new missile system designed to replace the Stinger surface-to-air missile for the US Army.

Demonstration Details

The demonstration involved multiple guided missile launches using Raytheon's soldier-portable Command Launch Assembly (CLA). Each missile reportedly achieved detection, tracking, and destruction of simulated aerial threats.

Raytheon stated that the demonstration validated the interceptor's ability to achieve direct hits and eliminate targets.

Key Technologies

The system's performance relies on a combination of:

• The Command Launch Assembly (CLA)
• A missile seeker equipped with precision optics
• A solid rocket motor developed by Northrop Grumman

According to Raytheon, these technologies provide the NGSRI with an engagement range that surpasses current systems.

Capabilities Compared to Stinger

The NGSRI offers several improvements over the Stinger missile, which has been in widespread service with the US Army and allies for decades:

• Improved target acquisition
• Longer engagement ranges
• Increased lethality

System Compatibility

The NGSRI is designed for compatibility with both shoulder-launched and vehicle-mounted systems. Raytheon is working to ensure it will operate with current and future launcher platforms.

Executive Statement

Tom Laliberty, President of Raytheon Land and Air Defense Systems, said:

"Raytheon's NGSRI saw farther and locked faster, demonstrating superior target acquisition, longer range and greater lethality than Stinger – which is already the world's most in-demand and shoulder-fired air defence system. Our NGSRI solution builds on Stinger's historic global success by being easier to build and field, resulting in a more capable, affordable and rapidly producible weapon."

Program Background

The NGSRI programme is part of US Army efforts to modernise its short-range air defence capabilities amid increasing demand for effective countermeasures against drones and other aerial threats.

Raytheon, the manufacturer of the Stinger missile system, is leveraging modular system design and automated manufacturing in the development of NGSRI, with the aim of facilitating faster production and deployment.

Recent Testing Milestones

Over the past year, the company conducted:

• Several company-funded tests of the NGSRI
• Two additional demonstrations under contract with the US Army

In February of this year, the company completed a ballistic test that confirmed NGSRI's ability to launch from a man-portable system and track drone targets.