Aerospace company Lockheed Martin has delivered the first flight software package for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) to the US Defense Department.
The technology bolsters US defense and security against intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) threats.
“Our engineering team delivered this robust capability to our customer over a month early using Lockheed Martin’s NGI Software Factory,” Vice President Sarah Reeves said. “The software factory enhances reliability and allows for faster development time in the future.”
Following the first software release, the NGI team at Lockheed Martin will continue their iterative process to add more capability for the next software release.
‘Modern, Never-Fail Weapon System’
The NGI features Lockheed’s advanced hit-to-kill technology that can identify an enemy missile launch, pinpoint its target, calculate its route, launch an interceptor, and then guide it to destroy the incoming missile in mid-air.
The modern defense system has increased reliability through continuous automated testing of the software, consisting of software development tools, process workflows, scripts, and environments.
“NGI is a first line of defense, tip-to-tail interceptor development within the Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense system,” the company said.
The first Lockheed Martin NGI is set for delivery in 2027.