Boeing and Anduril have both expressed interest in joining a new US Army program aimed at developing a second supersonic cruise missile interceptor.
Jim Bryan, director of integrated air and missile defense at Boeing, revealed to Breaking Defense that the company is now preparing its proposal for the upcoming army competition.
Though he did not provide specific details, Bryan said the Virginia-based firm already has a team in place conducting trade studies and weighing the benefits of using non-traditional rocket motors for its offering.
“Are you more interested in an exotic new design, or… do we stick with what’s proven and known?” he asked the army.
Anduril, meanwhile, is pondering whether to bid as a prime contractor or team up with a major defense firm that would need a solid rocket motor for their proposals.
The California-based company is known for its rocket motors that power defense and space launch systems. Earlier this year, it was awarded a $19-million contract to build second stage rocket motors for the US Navy’s Standard Missile-6.
Competitors
In January 2023, the US Army announced plans to acquire a second cruise missile interceptor amid increasing threats from adversaries.
Like the first interceptor known as the AIM-9X Sidewinder, the second weapon should be compatible with Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc. 2) launchers.
According to program executive officer Maj Gen. Frank Lozano, the new program is scheduled to begin next year and has already secured funding for a five-year period.
Though the competition is expected to attract more participants, Boeing and Anduril will have two sure competitors in Lockheed and Rafael.
In January 2024, the two companies declared their interest in the program, with the Israeli firm planning to offer a “subversion” of its Tamir interceptor.
Lockheed has yet to reveal its proposal, but said it has the expertise to deliver the product.
It remains unclear if RTX, the manufacturer of the first interceptor, will submit a more capable solution to match the threat of supersonic cruise missiles.
