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Northrop Grumman wins MDA contract over Raytheon amid legal challenge

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Northrop Grumman wins MDA contract over Raytheon amid legal challenge
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The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has selected Northrop Grumman for its Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, aimed at countering hypersonic missile threats. These missiles pose significant challenges due to their high speeds and unpredictable paths, making existing defense systems inadequate. Both Northrop Grumman and Raytheon submitted designs for the GPI program, but only Northrop Grumman's was chosen to proceed with prototype development. Following this decision, Raytheon contested the selection through a legal challenge.

General Gregory M. Guillot of the North American Aerospace Defense Command highlighted hypersonics as "probably the most technologically challenging threat that we’re facing, as well as the most destabilizing."

Northrop Grumman's design focuses on advanced materials and next-generation guidance technology to intercept missiles during their glide phase. It is designed to integrate with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system used by the US Navy and MDA’s network. The interceptor will use advanced sensors and a predictive guidance system to counter highly maneuverable threats.

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Raytheon's proposal emphasized cost-effectiveness by leveraging technology from its Standard Missile-6 program. Despite losing out on this contract, Raytheon maintains confidence in its design's ability to meet mission requirements.

Both companies addressed precision maneuverability at extreme speeds in their designs, aiming for compatibility with existing naval platforms without compromising performance. Northrop Grumman plans to work with L3Harris on a dual-mode propulsion system featuring variable thrust technology.

The MDA's decision considered both technical innovation and cost efficiency. While Raytheon protested this outcome, citing potential cost savings, Northrop Grumman's readiness to integrate with existing systems likely influenced the agency's choice.

This program is part of a joint defense initiative between the U.S. and Japan Self Defense Forces (JSDF). The success of GPI will significantly impact future hypersonic weapons defense capabilities for both nations.

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