Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed a successful ballistic test for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI). The test is a key milestone in developing the system designed to replace the legacy Stinger missile.
This latest demonstration, funded internally by Raytheon, proved the interceptor’s ability to track drone targets and its compatibility with a man-portable launcher. The event collected critical performance data to validate technical maturity ahead of the program’s upcoming formal flight test demonstration.
“The success of this test underscores our commitment to the Army’s schedule and to delivering a decisive, next-generation capability to our warfighters,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Our investment and rapid testing approach are focused on ensuring a cost-effective and superior interceptor.”
Raytheon’s NGSRI is engineered for enhanced performance, flying faster and engaging a wider array of modern aerial threats compared to current systems. It maintains flexible deployment options, capable of being fired from vehicles or by dismounted soldiers using a shoulder-mounted launcher.
The company’s design leverages decades of air defense expertise. A significant performance contributor is the Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) solid rocket motor, developed in collaboration with Northrop Grumman. Successfully tested last year, this advanced propulsion technology provides greater energy and longer burn time, directly extending the missile’s effective range.
To accelerate development, Raytheon is utilizing a modular design architecture and automated manufacturing processes. This approach aims to streamline production and facilitate faster fielding of the system for both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.
The NGSRI program remains a priority for the Army as it modernizes its short-range air defense inventory. Raytheon continues to partner closely with the service to meet program objectives and deliver this advanced, multi-mission interceptor.
