Northrop Grumman accelerates layered missile defense R&D with AI-linked sensors, interceptors via digital engineering

• Northrop Grumman outlined an R&D-driven layered missile-defense architecture linking space detection, sea-based tracking, AI-enabled classification, and interceptor assignment.
• Next Gen OPIR Polar satellites in highly elliptical orbits target improved Northern Hemisphere warning, designed to spot faint heat signatures from ballistic and hypersonic threats.
• BOA architecture aggregates raw infrared data from multiple satellite constellations, pushing actionable tracking to command-and-control systems for faster engagement decisions.
• Glide Phase Interceptor development targets hypersonic missiles during glide phase, focusing on high-energy, high-maneuverability segments of flight.
• Propulsion scale-up plan lifts solid rocket motor output to 25,000 annually by 2029 from about 13,000 in 2024, supported by additive manufacturing.

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