Last week, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced that it will partner with Northrop Grumman to advance the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, which will be the country’s first countermeasure against the potential use of hypersonic missiles by adversaries. Specifically, the program is entering its development phase, having already completed a three-year design stage.
The goals of the renewed partnership focus on refining the GPI design to make it compatible with Arleigh Burke destroyers and ground-based vertical launch systems, both operating in conjunction with AEGIS systems, and testing its effectiveness in “hypersonic environments.” Additionally, according to the official statement from Northrop Grumman, efforts will also be made to implement a high degree of digitalization in the project to accelerate production processes in order to complete this phase ahead of the original schedule.
Wendy Williams, Vice President and General Manager of Missile Defense and Launch Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated: “GPI provides critical stand-off distance for warfighters in situations where distance creates an advantage. Adaptable to a multitude of mission requirements, Northrop Grumman’s revolutionary solution is designed to operate in the evolving threat landscape.”
Finally, it is worth noting that the current design of the GPI features a dual-mode engagement capability that will allow it to neutralize threats at various altitudes. This is complemented by a high-precision seeker and a re-ignitable engine that would facilitate interceptor targeting. Moreover, the process will involve cooperation with Japan’s Ministry of Defense through the GPI Cooperative Development program, making it likely that Japan will be the first user of the new interceptor outside of the U.S. once it is developed.
Image credits: Northrop Grumman
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