Now Reading: Pentagon delays delivery of hypersonic glide-stage interceptor by three years
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Pentagon delays delivery of hypersonic glide-stage interceptor by three years
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is facing a significant delay in its program to develop an interceptor capable of neutralizing hypersonic weapons during its glide phase. According to its director, Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, delivery of this critical capability could be delayed until 2035, three years later than planned.
"The delay is a consequence of decisions related to priorities and resources."Collins explained during a hearing in the House Strategic Forces subcommittee.
MDA, pressured by budget constraints, was forced to end the competition phase of system development early, selecting Northrop Grumman as the sole contractor in the fall of 2023, before even completing the preliminary design review. This move, while seeking to accelerate timelines, reduces competitiveness and may compromise innovation in the program.
Congress demands results, but resources are not forthcoming
The FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act set ambitious goals: to achieve full Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) operational capability by 2032 and to have at least 12 units available for testing by the end of 2029.
However, Collins warned that, with current funding, delivery of this capacity would be delayed until 2035. "It's primarily a resource issue. We believe we could recover by 2032, but that would require greater funding and without increasing programmatic risks."he added.
In the meantime, the only effective capability available to deal with hypersonic threats is the SM-6 missile, in combination with sea-based terminal radar capability, a limited solution in the face of the growing global threat.
Delay also in New Generation Interceptor (NGI)
In addition to the GPI program, the MDA confirmed an 18-month delay in the delivery of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), which will replace the current ground-based interceptors (GBIs), key components of the U.S. intercontinental missile defense system.
The agency selected Lockheed Martin and L3Harris' Aerojet Rocketdyne in April 2024 to be responsible for NGI development, bringing the decision forward a year and a half ahead of schedule.
"We made that early selection due to budget priorities. However, the development of the new solid rocket motor presents challenges that are directly impacting delivery schedules."Collins acknowledged.
Initially, NGI operational capacity was scheduled for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2028, but this schedule is now uncertain.
The Golden Dome program and the need to strengthen national defense
The NGI is a key component of the Trump administration's future missile defense architecture, known as Golden Dome, designed to protect U.S. territory against airborne and intercontinental threats.
Although details of this new shield have not yet been officially disclosed, it is expected to involve a significant expansion of the number of interceptors, surpassing the existing 44 GBIs.
"We are fully committed to this program, which remains the foundation of protection against intercontinental ballistic missiles. But we cannot ignore the concerns raised by any delay in implementing this critical capability."Collins concluded.
The Pentagon is working against the clock to mitigate these delays, upgrading current GBIs and optimizing their software to address immediate threats, while the defense industry and lawmakers push for more resources and more efficient execution of these strategic programs.
