Boeing and Anduril have joined forces to build a new high-speed interceptor aimed at bolstering the US Army’s layered defense.
The partnership targets the service’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor program, which seeks to deliver a mid-range weapon.
Anduril will supply the missile’s solid rocket motor, a key component for engaging low-altitude, mid-range threats such as cruise missiles and kamikaze drones.
Meanwhile, Boeing will lead the overall development of the mid-range interceptor as part of an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Project Agreement it signed on December 5.
The ultimate goal is a solution that is not only capable and cost-efficient but also designed to integrate seamlessly with the US Army’s short- and long-range defense networks
“Boeing and Anduril are partnering to deliver a critical, scalable rocket motor systems capability for the US Army,” said Burhan Muzaffar, senior vice president at Anduril Industries.
“This partnership is a major step forward in strengthening the industrial base and ensuring our warfighters receive the reliable, modern capabilities they need.”
The army plans to select companies for the prototype phase in 2026.
Filling the Gap
Before pursuing a new mid-range interceptor, the US Army relied on the AIM‑9X Sidewinder as a stopgap for mid-range air defense.
Originally an air-to-air missile, the weapon was adapted to serve as a primary ground-based defense against cruise missiles and drones.
While proven effective in the short term, the Sidewinder was reportedly not optimized for sustained, mid-range air defense missions.
The Boeing-Anduril interceptor is designed to fill this capability gap, providing a purpose-built solution that could enhance coverage against a wide variety of threats.
