Lockheed Martin proves Seeker capabilities for U.S. Army next-generation short-range interceptor competition
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WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M,. May 11, 2026 – The Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) QuadStar™ missile recently successfully completed the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) Seeker Characterization Flight Test (SCFT), a critical risk reduction milestone for the program. The test paves the way for continued testing as the U.S. Army moves into the next phase of the future replacement for the legacy Stinger missile.
- What happened: A Lockheed Martin QuadStar missile launched from a Command Launch Assembly (CLA) and flew a tactical trajectory, demonstrating the seeker performance at a range exceeding the legacy system capability.
- Key objective: The team set out to validate the seeker’s ability to capture imagery, process signals onboard and maintain target tracking.
- Result: This test confirmed CLA performance, critical system functionality, the innovative and affordable seeker technology, and QuadStar interceptor performance.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Accelerates timeline: This achievement demonstrates core sensor and guidance capabilities, ensuring testing stays on and ahead of schedule.
- Enhances survivability: The SCFT validates this affordable, unique seeker design can reliably engage unmanned vehicles, rotary and fixed-wing threats.
- Leverages cutting-edge tech: AI-driven signal processing and modern open-systems architecture enable affordability, ensuring rapid updates and modular upgrades.
- Fast-track development: This test follows a three-month sprint from first flight to the SCFT, underscoring Lockheed Martin’s dedication to partnering with the Army to rapidly address their mission needs.
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
- “Our team’s shared mission, innovative approach and agility were essential to achieving this milestone,” said Randy Crites, vice president, Lockheed Martin Advanced Programs. “The successful SCFT demonstrates we remain on course to deliver a next-generation interceptor that will defend our warfighters and allies well into the future.”
- “Completing the seeker characterization in under six months highlights the speed, flexibility and drive the Lockheed Martin team brings to this customer,” said Chris Murphy, business development lead, Lockheed Martin NGSRI. “We remain committed to delivering highly capable, readily manufacturable and affordable solutions that meet the Army’s immediate and future needs.”
photo courtesy Lockheed Martin
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Lockheed Martin successfully completed the Seeker Characterization Flight Test of the QuadStar missile at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on May 11, 2026. This test validated the missile's seeker performance and Command Launch Assembly functionality, marking a significant milestone in the U.S. Army's next-generation short-range interceptor program. The achievement demonstrates the missile's capabilities to engage unmanned vehicles and aerial threats effectively.
- Lockheed Martin's QuadStar missile completed a successful Seeker Characterization Flight Test.
- The test validated the missile's seeker performance and CLA functionality.
- The test is part of the U.S. Army's next-generation interceptor program to replace the Stinger missile.
- The achievement demonstrates core sensor and guidance capabilities, ensuring timely testing.
- The innovative seeker technology is designed to engage various aerial threats.