"Lockheed Martin Secures Lucrative Missile Defense Contracts Worth Billions"

The Missile Defense Agency has chosen Lockheed Martin to develop the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) over Northrop Grumman, with plans for initial operational capability by fiscal year 2028. This decision accelerates the timeline due to budget constraints and confidence in current data. The NGI program aims to replace the current Ground-Based Midcourse Defense interceptors, tailored to threats from countries like North Korea and Iran. However, concerns have been raised about the agency's rapid elimination of competing contractors and the potential impact on addressing threats in the long run.