Army announces selection for Future Interceptor program

Advancing integrated air and missile defense to counter next generation threats

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Oct. 29, 2026 - The Army has awarded Lockheed Martin an Other Transaction Agreement supporting development of the Future Interceptor, a next-generation capability intended to strengthen the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) portfolio against advanced air and missile threats.

The Future Interceptor is being developed to address evolving air and missile threats through improvements in engagement range, altitude, velocity and maneuverability. The capability is intended to complement existing Army IAMD systems and strengthen layered defense against emerging threats. The total estimated project value is $1.08 billion, consisting of $660.4 million in government funding and a $423 million cost-sharing commitment from Lockheed Martin.

"The ability to strike enemy systems at range is a critical mission the Army executes for the Joint Force," said General Christopher LaNeve, Vice Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff of the Army. "As part of the Army's focused modernization strategy, outlined in our new warfighting guidance, How the Army Fights, we're pursuing a mix of exquisite and low-cost munitions. The Future Interceptor is exactly the type of cutting-edge technology we need."

Under the agreement, the Army will work with Lockheed Martin to advance prototype development and conduct testing and evaluation to assess system performance against established operational requirements.

"This contract for the Future Interceptor program marks an important step forward in the Army's efforts to address emerging threats by accelerating innovation and strengthening partnerships with industry," said Brent Ingraham, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. "We are empowering the Army to make informed decisions, reduce acquisition risk, and deliver the next generation of integrated air and missile defense capabilities our Soldiers, partners, and allies need to fight and win."

The program's development approach emphasizes rapid innovation, technical evaluation and informed acquisition decisions to support the Army's future air and missile defense requirements. Future development and production decisions will be informed by prototype performance, operational requirements, available resources and applicable acquisition processes.

"Developing advanced interceptor capabilities is essential to maintaining our nation's defensive advantage against increasingly sophisticated threats," said Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Fires. "The Future Interceptor program reflects the Army's commitment to accelerating innovation, leveraging proven technologies and strengthening the layered defenses that protect our forces and national interests at home and abroad."