The Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) is a US Army programme designed to deliver a new short-range air defence missile capability to replace the Stinger missile.
The programme is intended to provide a reliable short-range air defence capability using advanced optical technology for detection and tracking, paired with a high-speed interceptor designed to engage threats at speed and at range.
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The missile is being developed around a network-centric architecture to enable integration with broader air defence systems and associated networks.
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are each developing and testing competing interceptor solutions for the programme.
Following the first successful NGSRI test flight in late 2025, the US Army expects developmental testing to continue through 2027, before selecting a single supplier in fiscal year 2028 (FY2028).
NGSRI programme details
The US Army is developing a new manoeuvre short-range air defence system (M-SHORAD) to deliver short-range air defence capabilities.
The NGSRI interceptor programme forms part of M-SHORAD Increment 3 and defines performance requirements that include a range significantly beyond the legacy system, high velocity to reduce time of flight and an overall effectiveness intended to exceed current capability.
The programme builds on the M-SHORAD Increment 1 system by integrating NGSRI, which will replace the FIM-92 Stinger missile, into the existing Increment 1 architecture.
In March 2023, the US Army chose Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies to produce competing NGSRI prototypes.
Lockheed Martin has put forward QuadStar, while Raytheon’s NGSRI is designed to fit both the existing Stinger vehicle universal launch system and the man-portable system.
Quadstar
Lockheed Martin’s QuadStar is based on a Miniature Hit-to-Kill interceptor concept with an updated seeker and a more aerodynamic, efficient configuration. It is aimed at engaging short-range air defence targets at greater range than the legacy system and is intended for use against unmanned aerial systems, rotary-wing platforms, fixed-wing aircraft and other emerging threats.
The design follows a modular approach and uses an open systems architecture, with the interceptor and command launch assembly intended to accommodate new technologies as they mature.
The missile measures 2m (6.56ft) in length and 70mm in diameter, with a mass of 14kg (30.86lb). It uses a low-drag airframe to support increased range and includes a warhead intended to improve lethality across a wider set of target types. The seeker is positioned as a cost-effective, high-performance option to support engagements at extended range, while the airframe is designed for high manoeuvrability to improve overall effectiveness.
The launcher is a high-performance system that combines advanced optics and algorithms to provide engagement intelligence and decision support. It is fitted with a rechargeable power pack that supports more than 120 minutes of continuous operation and is designed to track targets in environmental clutter, supporting engagements at longer range. The system does not require battery coolant units and is compatible with the Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher and other launcher variants.
Field tests on QuadStar
In January 2026, Lockheed Martin conducted the first in a planned series of flight trials intended to demonstrate NGSRI capability. Run at the US Army White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the event confirmed interceptor performance and indicated progress on key subsystems, marking a milestone in programme development.
QuadStar completed the NGSRI Seeker Characterisation Flight Test SCFT in May 2026. During the test, a QuadStar missile launched from a Command Launch Assembly (CLA) and flew a tactical trajectory, allowing evaluation of seeker performance at a range beyond the legacy system. The activity focused on confirming the seeker’s ability to capture imagery, process signals onboard and maintain target tracking, with results also supporting validation of CLA performance and core system functions.
Raytheon’s NGSRI platform details
Raytheon has completed ten successful NGSRI subsystem demonstrations, showing progress in the system’s maturity and capability. The demonstrations assessed the seeker, rocket motor, command launch assembly and warhead, as well as key missile functions including target tracking, guidance, aerodynamic control, fusing and safety.
The advanced seeker assembly was stated to exceed Stinger performance in laboratory and outdoor trials, and a test of a flight-ready rocket motor intended to extend intercept range in manoeuvring engagements.
Raytheon is using collaborative research conducted at Northrop Grumman’s Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia to accelerate development of the new extended-range motor design. The effort progressed from proof of concept to first flight in less than six months.
In June 2025, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman reported four successful tests of flight-ready highly loaded grain (HLG) solid rocket motors for the NGSRI. HLG is a solid-propellant motor technology intended to provide longer burn time and higher energy output than conventional solid rocket motors, supporting extended range for Raytheon’s NGSRI missile.
Raytheon completed a ballistic test in February 2026 that showed the interceptor’s ability to track drone targets and to launch from a man-portable system. The company funded the trial to support technical maturity assessments and to gather data ahead of a flight test demonstration.
The man-portable command launch assembly was also tested, with results indicating improved operator detection and identification of aerial targets in low-visibility conditions. Arena trials of the warhead assembly delivered precise and repeatable lethality across a range of aerial threats.
In July 2026, Raytheon conducted a demonstration of its NGSRI. Several guided missiles were fired using Raytheon’s soldier-portable CLA, resulting in the successful detection, tracking and interception of representative aerial targets, including direct hits and target destruction.
