Northrop Grumman awarded Glide Phase Interceptor development modification contract
CHANDLER, Ariz. – April 15, 2026 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is expediting the development of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) to address the growing threat of hypersonic missiles, to reach a Preliminary Design Review by 2028. This program, funded by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a key component of the United States’ layered missile defense strategy, designed to deliver first-of-its-kind counter-hypersonic capabilities.
As part of the contract, the team will:
• Conduct critical flight tests to reduce risk and refine system design.
• Expand multi-mission capabilities to enhance effectiveness and affordability for warfighters.
• Explore additional launch strategies for seamless integration into future national defense architectures.
GPI will serve as a strategic tool in the nation’s missile defense strategy for protection against regional hypersonic threats. (Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Experts:
Wendy Williams, vice president and general manager, launch & exploration, Northrop Grumman: “Northrop Grumman is moving with speed to streamline and deliver a first-of-a-kind countermeasure against hypersonic threats. This award underscores the critical need for missile defense technologies, which Northrop Grumman is uniquely equipped to provide.”
Details on Program:
The team continues to validate its GPI design through rigorous testing, including simulations of extreme temperature conditions and trials of interstage separation systems. Engineers are also progressing model integration with the Aegis Weapon System, ensuring seamless interoperability across the MDA’s missile defense architecture to counter regional hypersonic threats.
As part of its role in the GPI Cooperative Development program in support of MDA and its Japan Ministry of Defense partner, Northrop Grumman remains committed to strengthening collaborative efforts that advance global security.ac
photo courtesy NNorthrop Grumman
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Northrop Grumman is expediting the development of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) in Chandler, Arizona, to address hypersonic missile threats, aiming for a Preliminary Design Review by 2028. The Missile Defense Agency funds this initiative, which includes critical flight tests and integration with the Aegis Weapon System to enhance U.S. missile defense capabilities.
- Northrop Grumman is developing the Glide Phase Interceptor to counter hypersonic missiles.
- The program aims for a Preliminary Design Review by 2028.
- The Missile Defense Agency is funding the GPI development.
- The GPI will enhance the U.S. missile defense strategy against regional threats.
- Northrop Grumman is collaborating with Japan's Ministry of Defense on this program.