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US Army to Buy 11,000 Next-Gen Stinger Missiles Starting 2028

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The U.S. Army plans to procure over 11,000 Next Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) missiles starting in fiscal year 2028.
  • The NGSRI will replace the aging FIM-92 Stinger missile, enhancing air defense against drones, helicopters, and aircraft.
  • The new missile will be faster, have a longer range, and improved interception capabilities, while maintaining compatibility with existing launchers.

The U.S. Army is set to significantly upgrade its short-range air defense capabilities with the planned procurement of over 11,000 Next Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI) missiles. This initiative aims to replace the FIM-92 Stinger missile, which has been in service for over 40 years and is increasingly unable to meet modern battlefield demands.

The Army plans to procure 11,000 NGSRI missiles and 2,200 control launch components starting in fiscal year 2028.

— U.S. ArmyDetails of the procurement plan for the new missile system.

The Army's request for information (RFI) outlines a plan to begin purchasing the NGSRI missiles and 2,200 control launch components in fiscal year 2028. Initial procurements will start with 200 missiles and 20 controllers in 2028, scaling up to 500 missiles and 20 controllers in 2029, with the possibility of further production increases. This modernization is a key part of the Army's Mobile Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program, which is accelerating the development of a multi-layered, close-range air defense network to counter growing threats from drones, hypersonic weapons, and precision-guided munitions.

NGSRI will replace the FIM-92 Stinger missile, which has been in service for over 40 years.

— Defense NewsExplaining the need for the new missile system.

The NGSRI is designed to be faster, with a top speed of approximately Mach 3 compared to the Stinger's Mach 2. It will also offer extended range and enhanced interception capabilities. Notably, the new missile is being developed to remain compatible with existing Stinger systems, allowing direct integration into current vehicle-mounted launchers and shoulder-fired systems. This compatibility is expected to reduce costs and training requirements for troops, including integration with the Sgt. Stout air defense vehicles and U.S. Marine Corps systems.

The new missile will have a top speed of approximately Mach 3, compared to the Stinger's Mach 2, with longer range and stronger interception capabilities.

— U.S. Army dataHighlighting the performance improvements of the NGSRI.

Companies like RTX and Northrop Grumman have already conducted tests of NGSRI prototypes, demonstrating capabilities such as tracking drone targets and single-soldier shoulder-fired launches. The Army is also seeking proposals for upgrading its existing fleet of 248 Sgt. Stout air defense vehicles, which can carry up to two Stinger universal launchers, to accommodate the NGSRI.

The new missile retains compatibility with existing Stinger systems, allowing direct integration into current vehicle-mounted launchers and shoulder-fired launchers.

— Defense NewsDescribing a key feature for cost and training efficiency.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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