RTX and Northrop Grumman conduct successful rocket motor tests for U.S. Army's Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor

Raytheon advances NGSRI development with continued testing

TUCSON, Ariz., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE:RTX) business, and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) announced four successful tests of flight-ready Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) solid rocket motors for the U.S. Army's Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI). HLG is a solid propellant technology for rocket motors that provides longer burn time and more energy output than conventional solid rocket motors, which extends the range of Raytheon's NGSRI offering compared to other missiles.

The Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor is the U.S. Army's new short-range missile that flies faster and performs better against aerial threats than existing interceptors. The missile can be fired from a tripod, vehicle or shoulder launcher.

In the latest round of testing, the team completed three static firings in different environments, followed by a successful ballistic flight demonstration. Over the coming months, additional flight tests are planned.

"These tests demonstrate our ability to rapidly develop this transformational air defense capability, which can defeat a variety of airborne threats at far greater ranges than legacy systems," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "Alongside Northrop Grumman, Raytheon is delivering cutting-edge technology to protect our warfighters."

Raytheon is leveraging collaborative research at the Northrop Grumman Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia to rapidly develop the new extended-range motor design, transitioning from proof of concept to first flight in a record time of less than six months.

"Northrop Grumman continues to push the boundaries on next-generation propulsion technology, and we're excited to work with Raytheon to bring this advanced solution for warfighters at record pace," said Frank DeMauro, vice president and general manager, Weapon Systems, Northrop Grumman. "Developed and demonstrated in five months, this innovative HLG motor provides increased speed, range, effectiveness and mission flexibility in a very small package."

Raytheon's NGSRI design leverages more than 60 years of air defense experience to provide the world's most advanced shoulder-launched air defense missile for U.S. Army and Marine Corps. The company's use of modular system design and automated manufacturing has enabled faster development and production.

About Raytheon 

Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. 

About RTX 

RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com. 

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers' toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.

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SOURCE RTX