US Army Next Generation Interceptor Gains Extended Range and Speed in RTX and Northrop Rocket Tests.

According to information published on RTX’s official website on June 5, 2025, Raytheon, a business segment of RTX, in cooperation with Northrop Grumman, successfully conducted a series of four tests of solid rocket motors using Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propellant for the U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) missile. The test series included three static firings in varied climatic conditions, followed by a successful ballistic flight demonstration. 
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Raytheon’s new short-range interceptor completes a successful ballistic missile flight demonstration. (Picture source: RTX)

The HLG technology used in these motors enables a longer burn time and higher energy output compared to conventional propellants, thereby significantly increasing the missile’s operational range without altering its launch format. These results confirm a notable advancement in tactical propulsion performance.

The NGSRI is a priority program for the U.S. Army, aimed at replacing the FIM-92 Stinger missile with a faster, more precise system offering greater resistance to electronic countermeasures. Developed to integrate seamlessly with existing launchers, the missile maintains the same physical dimensions as the Stinger to ensure full compatibility with man-portable and vehicle-mounted systems such as the Stryker-based M-SHORAD platform. In addition to improved effectiveness against aerial threats like Group 2 and 3 drones, attack helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft, the NGSRI offers flexible deployment options: it can be launched from a shoulder, tripod, or mobile platform. Raytheon has also completed ten subsystem demonstrations covering components such as the infrared seeker, man-portable command launch assembly, warhead, and guidance systems. These tests successfully validated key functions, including target tracking, terminal guidance, aerodynamic control, safety mechanisms, and ignition.

The development of this HLG propulsion technology followed an accelerated timeline through close collaboration between Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, particularly at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia. In under six months, the project moved from concept to its first flight test, illustrating a rapid development approach. Frank DeMauro, Vice President of Weapon Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated that the motor delivers notable gains in speed, range, effectiveness, and operational flexibility while maintaining a compact, scalable format. Raytheon, drawing on over 60 years of experience in air defense, employed a modular design and automated manufacturing processes to efficiently meet customer requirements while maintaining controlled production costs. In parallel, Lockheed Martin is developing a competing solution named QuadStar, featuring an optimized aerodynamic design and a new command launch assembly using artificial intelligence for target acquisition and engagement.

Designed to integrate with future battle management systems such as the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), the NGSRI is expected to enter low-rate production by 2028. It is projected to become a key component of short-range air defense for U.S. ground forces. Other branches of the U.S. military, as well as allied nations currently using the Stinger system, could also adopt the NGSRI. The combination of upgraded propulsion and advanced guidance and detection systems positions the NGSRI as a potential response to emerging aerial threats, including low-cost drones, subsonic cruise missiles, and high-maneuverability piloted aircraft.