The U.S. Missile Defence Agency (MDA) has announced its decision to proceed with Northrop Grumman Corporation on the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, a pioneering initiative aimed at developing defensive measures against hypersonic missile threats. This partnership marks a significant advancement in countering both existing and emerging hypersonic challenges.
In this next phase of development, Northrop Grumman will focus on refining the preliminary design of the GPI, which is set to be launched from the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence destroyers and Aegis Ashore systems using the standard Vertical Launch System. The company will also demonstrate system performance in hypersonic environments prior to conducting its Preliminary Design Review. By leveraging its own flight-proven systems, Northrop Grumman aims to complete flight experiments ahead of schedule and will utilize digital engineering practices to enhance design processes and accelerate interceptor capabilities.
Wendy Williams, Vice President and General Manager of Launch and Missile Defence Systems at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the strategic importance of the GPI, stating, “GPI adds mission critical standoff to warfighters in scenarios where distance creates an advantage. Tailorable to a multitude of mission requirements, Northrop Grumman’s revolutionary solution is designed to perform in the evolving threat landscape.”
The innovative GPI design incorporates advanced technologies, including a seeker for threat tracking and hit-to-kill accuracy, a re-ignitable upper stage engine for threat containment, and a dual engagement mode to address threats across various altitudes. Northrop Grumman will also collaborate with the U.S. government and the Japan Ministry of Defence as part of the GPI Cooperative Development program to deliver interceptors to the MDA.
