WASHINGTON, — The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded California-based defence company Long Wall $75 million to complete flight testing of its Cyclops low-cost missile interceptor. The company announced the award on October 22 and will contribute an additional $75 million of its own funding, bringing the combined investment to $150 million.
Cyclops Interceptor Designed for Mass Production
Long Wall began developing Cyclops in 2024 using its own funding and publicly unveiled the system in December 2025. The liquid-fuelled, exo-atmospheric interceptor is designed to engage enemy missiles during the midcourse phase of flight, outside Earth's atmosphere. The company describes it as the first interceptor in its class designed specifically for mass production.
Cyclops uses commercial off-the-shelf components and additive manufacturing, including 3D printing, to support its manufacturing approach. According to Long Wall, the interceptor fits inside a standard shipping container, allowing it to be launched from ground sites or sea-based platforms.
$150 Million for Development and Testing
Long Wall will invest an additional $75 million in private funding alongside the MDA award to continue Cyclops design, development and testing. The company said it had already spent two years of private capital on the programme.
Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dan Piemont said rising demand for interceptors, limited production capacity and high unit costs had created challenges in replenishing missile defence inventories. He described the award as a significant commitment to developing a new approach to long-range missile defence.
Long Wall co-founder, Chairman and President Harry O’Hanley said the company was using modern computing hardware and advances in optics and propulsion manufacturing to support the programme.
The company operates development, testing and production facilities spanning more than 180,000 square feet across 100 acres at three major sites. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Long Wall has operations in California, Alaska and Alabama. It was formed in February 2025 through the rebranding of ABL Space Systems, which shifted its focus from small satellite launch vehicles to missile defence.
The MDA award announcement did not specify the number of interceptors to be tested or provide a detailed flight-test schedule. The contract duration and production timeline were also not disclosed.
US Expands Search for Lower-Cost Interceptors
Cyclops is intended to perform a midcourse interception role similar to that of the US Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), currently built by Northrop Grumman.
The MDA is also exploring lower-cost interceptor options for the terminal phase, when incoming missiles re-enter the atmosphere. In August 2026, the agency awarded nearly $11 million to X-Bow Systems to flight-test a solid-fuel interceptor being considered as a potential lower-cost alternative to systems such as the Patriot.
Long Wall’s award is part of wider US efforts to develop missile defence systems that can be manufactured in greater numbers while addressing production capacity and cost challenges.
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