Northrop Grumman has been selected by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to develop the world’s first Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), a cutting-edge defence system designed to counter hypersonic missile threats.
The move follows a three-year collaborative effort between Northrop Grumman and the MDA to create an innovative system capable of addressing both current and emerging threats in the hypersonic domain.
The GPI will be launched from the U.S. Navy’s Aegis Ballistic Missile Defence destroyers and Aegis Ashore installations, using the standard Vertical Launch System.
In this next phase, Northrop Grumman will refine the preliminary design and demonstrate how the system performs under hypersonic conditions, with plans to carry out flight experiments ahead of schedule. These tests will build on the company’s proven track record with missile systems.
Wendy Williams, Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman’s Launch and Missile Defence Systems, highlighted the significance of the new technology. “GPI gives warfighters a critical standoff capability in situations where distance is key. Adaptable to a wide range of mission needs, Northrop Grumman’s revolutionary solution is built to handle the rapidly changing threat landscape.”
Northrop Grumman’s design features advanced technologies, including a seeker to track threats and ensure hit-to-kill accuracy, a re-ignitable upper stage engine for enhanced control, and a dual engagement mode to take on targets at different altitudes.
The company will also work alongside Japan’s Ministry of Defence as part of a joint development programme to deliver interceptors to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.
I wonder how much overlap there will be between the GPI and SM-6 Block IB.