Lockheed Martin and Boeing-Anduril Chosen for US Army's Lower-Cost Interceptor Program
The US Army has narrowed its choices for its latest interceptor to two teams: Lockheed Martin and Boeing-Anduril. The Phase 2 demonstration is expected to showcase a lower-cost interceptor that can handle incoming rockets, artillery, and mortars, as well as low-flying cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The Army's Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor program aims to create a capability similar to AIM-120 while fitting the form factor of the Enduring Shield launcher. The cost target is around $1 million, which compares favorably to the estimated $4 million cost of PAC-3 MSE.
Lockheed Martin's entry suggests that the missile may be capable of ballistic missile defense (BMD), and Boeing has emphasized the modularity of their proposed interceptor, allowing for new sensors, avionics, and software to be quickly integrated.