Raytheon has achieved a key milestone in its bid to replace the US Army’s Stinger surface-to-air missile, with its Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI) successfully completing a ballistic test. The company-funded trial confirmed the missile’s ability to launch from a man-portable system and track unmanned aerial targets, advancing the program toward an upcoming flight-test demonstration.
The proposed interceptor incorporates Northrop Grumman’s highly loaded grain solid rocket motor, designed to deliver increased range and higher engagement speeds. Raytheon has also equipped the missile with a new seeker capable of identifying and engaging targets at extended distances in both day and night conditions. According to the company, the NGSRI is designed to be backward-compatible with existing launchers, potentially simplifying integration for US Army units.
The US Army initiated a request for information in 2022 to identify a replacement for the aging Stinger missile, which remains a critical capability for countering drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. In September 2023, Raytheon and Lockheed Martin were selected to develop competing interceptor solutions offering improved speed, range, and lethality. The Army expects the winning design to enter low-rate initial production by 2028.
Both companies conducted a series of demonstrations throughout 2024 and 2025 in preparation for flight testing. In January 2026, Lockheed Martin completed the first flight test of its proposed NGSRI, progressing from concept to first flight in just 26 months by leveraging advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
