Raytheon has announced that its Next Generation Short Range Interceptor, intended as a replacement for the US Army’s Stinger missile, has successfully completed a ballistic test. The internally funded trial demonstrated the interceptor’s ability to launch from a man-portable system and to track drone targets, advancing the program toward flight testing.
The proposed missile design uses Northrop Grumman’s highly loaded grain solid rocket motors to extend range and speed, paired with a new seeker that supports target identification and engagement at longer distances during both daytime and nighttime operations. Raytheon has also stated that the NGSRI is backward-compatible with current launcher systems.
The US Army began the NGSRI program in 2022 with a request for information seeking a modern replacement for the Stinger missile, which is tasked with countering unmanned systems and rotary- and fixed-wing threats. In September 2023, the Army awarded Raytheon and Lockheed Martin development contracts for competing interceptor solutions with increased speed and lethality.
Both competitors conducted demonstration activities in 2024 and 2025 ahead of planned flight tests. Lockheed Martin completed the first flight test of its proposed NGSRI in January 2026, achieving first flight just 26 months after program start by leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
