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Lockheed Martin hits major milestone for Next Generation Interceptor program

Lockheed Martin recently delivered the first flight software package for the nation’s next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) interceptor ahead of schedule.

The defense juggernaut’s milestone is the first step toward flight testing and fielding, noted Lockheed Martin in a press release.

Lockheed officials said this software is critical for NGI to complete its mission: to protect the U.S. homeland from increasing and evolving ICBM threats. The team utilized open architectures and agile processes, leveraging development, security, and operations to achieve this milestone early through the NGI Software Factory.

Sarah Reeves, vice president of NGI at Lockheed Martin, stated, “Our engineering team delivered this robust capability to our customer over a month early using Lockheed Martin’s NGI Software Factory it enhances reliability and allows for faster development time in the future.”

One of the key features of the software factory is its high reliability through continuous automated testing.

Following this first official software release, Lockheed met a program requirement known as Minimum Viable Product (MVP). The Lockheed Martin NGI team’s next focus will be on using its software factory to produce more code to meet the goal of the new ICBM program launch date of fiscal year 2027.

In support of its work on NGI, Lockheed Martin recently broke ground on the Missile System Integration Lab in Huntsville. The new facility will initially be used exclusively for development within the NGI program.

SEE: Lockheed Martin breaks ground on $16.5M Huntsville missile defense lab

The company also has career opportunities available that support NGI. Lockheed Martin is continuing to grow its large presence in Alabama. This program and facility support key supplier outreach efforts, workforce development, and academic partnerships in the area beyond the 25 facilities in the state.

David Palmore is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News

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