Lockheed Martin has offered a glimpse of its vision for future long-range hypersonic strike with the introduction of the Next Generation Glide Body (NXGB).
Imagery of the NXGB shows a sleek, spearhead-shaped design as it travels through the atmosphere.
Built on a Modular Open Systems Approach, the concept emphasizes a scalable architecture intended to support evolving battlefield requirements, alongside enhanced survivability.
Rather than focusing on performance alone, the design also prioritizes extended range and velocity, as well as manufacturing efficiencies aimed at reducing production costs.
The system is built for launch from multiple platforms across domains, offering operational flexibility and reducing risk to forces in contested environments.
“NXGB demonstrates our commitment to delivering next-generation deterrence that is not only effective, but affordable and producible at scale,” said Johnathon Caldwell, vice president and general manager of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems at Lockheed Martin.
“We designed this capability from the outset to provide greater value to our customers while delivering an operational advantage to the warfighter.”
Path Toward Deployment
Lockheed Martin has invested in dedicated manufacturing facilities and advanced production technologies to increase output.
These efforts, combined with supply chain partnerships, are intended to support scalable production and delivery of the system.
With the Preliminary Design Review complete, the program can now move into detailed design after meeting baseline requirements for performance, manufacturability, and cost.
A flight demonstration is planned for 2027.
