Army Reopens Interceptor Contest to Speed Air-Defense Work
The Army is restarting a competition for a new air-defense interceptor and will let companies that were previously removed compete against Lockheed Martin and a Boeing-Anduril team. Service officials aim to accelerate development of the weapon, which is meant to counter more advanced cruise missiles. Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano said a new competitive firing demonstration is scheduled for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027.
The Army is restarting a contest for a new interceptor meant to defend against more advanced cruise missiles. Firms that were cut earlier can now compete again, facing Lockheed Martin and a Boeing-Anduril team.
Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, the Army acquisition executive overseeing fires, said a fresh demonstration involving competitive firings is set for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027. That event would let more companies participate as the service tries to speed the weapon’s development.
If the Army’s revised contest speeds work on a new interceptor, it could affect military personnel and civilians who depend on defenses against cruise missile threats. Defense contractors and their workers may see new opportunities, while taxpayers could bear costs tied to development and testing. The outcome may also influence how quickly the Army fields updated air-defense capabilities, though the planned 2027 demonstration suggests practical effects would likely emerge later.