One Of These Missiles Is Set To Be The Army’s Next Mid-Tier Anti-Air Interceptor

The U.S. Army advanced two competitors into the next phase of its IFPC Increment 2 Second Interceptor programme: Lockheed Martin and a Boeing-Anduril team, while Rafael was not selected. The missile will supplement AIM-9X Sidewinders already fired by the Enduring Shield launcher, principally improving defence against cruise missiles and other short-to-medium-range aerial threats. Earlier Army goals sought AIM-120D-like performance in an AIM-9X-sized round so each palletized launcher can retain up to 18 canisters and adequate magazine depth. The down-selection is not a final award; guidance, warhead, range, cost and fielding dates remain under development.