RTX’s Raytheon completes key milestone for U.S. Army’s Next Generation Short Range Interceptor
DUGWAY PROVING GROUNDS, Utah, July 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Raytheon, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has successfully reached a significant milestone by demonstrating the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI), which aims to replace the Stinger® surface-to-air missile for the U.S. Army.
During the demonstration, multiple guided missiles were launched using Raytheon’s soldier-portable Command Launch Assembly (CLA), showcasing the NGSRI system’s capabilities to detect, track, and intercept Army-simulated aerial threats with precision. Each missile achieved direct hits, resulting in target destruction.
The NGSRI’s advanced performance is attributed to the CLA and the missile seeker’s precision optics, complemented by an innovative highly loaded grain solid rocket motor manufactured by Northrop Grumman. These technologies work in concert to significantly extend the engagement range of the NGSRI beyond that of existing systems.
Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, remarked, “Raytheon’s NGSRI saw farther and locked faster, demonstrating superior target acquisition, longer range, and greater lethality than the already renowned Stinger, which remains the world’s most in-demand shoulder-fired air defense system. Our NGSRI solution builds on Stinger’s global success by being easier to build and field, creating a more capable, affordable, and rapidly producible weapon.”
Over the past year, Raytheon has conducted several tests funded by the company to enhance and validate the NGSRI, in addition to two incremental demonstrations conducted under contract with the Army.
The NGSRI is a key program for the U.S. Army aimed at developing a short-range missile system that will eventually replace the Stinger. This missile is designed for deployment from both vehicle-mounted and shoulder-mounted launchers. As the manufacturer of the Stinger missile and launchers, Raytheon is focused on ensuring that the NGSRI is fully interoperable with both new and existing platforms.
Leveraging over 60 years of air defense expertise, Raytheon’s NGSRI design promises to deliver the world’s most advanced shoulder-launched air defense missile for the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The use of modular system design and automated manufacturing processes further enhances the speed of development and production.
About Raytheon
Raytheon, a business unit of RTX, is a leading provider of defense solutions that support the U.S. government, allies, and partners in defending their national sovereignty and security. With over 100 years of innovation, Raytheon continues to enhance capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics, and missile defense across all operational domains.
About RTX
RTX employs more than 180,000 people worldwide, driving the boundaries of technology and science to transform connections and protection in our lives. The company advances aviation, engineers integrated defense systems for operational success, and develops next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing processes to address critical global challenges. RTX reported 2025 sales exceeding $88 billion and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
For inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact [email protected].
SOURCE RTX
Source: RTX (Raytheon) (2026-07-15 13:00:00)
