In a move to enhance the US Army’s layered defense posture, Boeing and Anduril have teamed up to develop a new high-speed interceptor for mid-range air defense.
The joint effort supports the Army’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor program, which seeks a purpose-built weapon to defeat mid-range threats. Anduril will contribute the missile’s solid rocket motor, a vital component for engaging low-flying cruise missiles and loitering munitions.
Boeing will lead the interceptor’s overall design and development under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Project Agreement executed on December 5.
The initiative aims to deliver a cost-effective, high-performance interceptor that can integrate seamlessly with existing short- and long-range air and missile defense systems.
Previously, the Army employed the AIM-9X Sidewinder as a stopgap measure for mid-range air defense. While the missile proved capable when adapted for ground launch, it was originally designed for air combat and lacked optimization for prolonged mid-range defensive operations.
The Boeing–Anduril solution is designed to address this shortfall, offering a dedicated interceptor capable of improving defensive coverage against a diverse set of airborne threats.
