US Missile Defense Agency Launches “Low-Cost Interceptor” Program Aimed at Mass Missile Attacks

Huntsville, AL — The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has launched a new initiative under its Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) program to develop a new class of low-cost interceptors, designed to counter massed ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missile threats. The goal is to deliver modular weapons costing less than $750,000 per unit, a fraction of the price of today’s advanced interceptors.

A New Path to Affordable Defense

The solicitation, issued on August 27, 2025, invites both established defense contractors and non-traditional firms to submit white papers proposing innovative, modular designs. By leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, previously developed subsystems, and low-cost manufacturing, the agency intends to shorten timelines and reduce costs, while maintaining the ability to engage advanced missile threats.

MDA stressed that this initiative is intended to rebalance the offense-defense cost equation, ensuring the U.S. can effectively defend against large-scale missile barrages without exhausting high-value interceptors.

Minimum Performance Requirements

According to the solicitation, proposed designs must meet the following core criteria:

• Mach 5+ speed with a minimum range of 200 kilometers.

• Endo-atmospheric capability against ballistic and hypersonic threats.

• A blast-fragmentation warhead guided by a terminal seeker.

• In-flight targeting updates and sufficient maneuverability to intercept hypersonic glide vehicles.

• Compatibility with existing systems such as the Patriot M903 launcher and the ability to quad-pack into Navy Vertical Launch Systems (VLS). Containerized launcher concepts are also encouraged, provided they follow open architecture standards.

Rapid Timelines

• Virtual industry information session: Scheduled for the week of September 15, 2025.

• White paper deadline: September 29, 2025.

• Phase I (6 months): Preliminary design and subsystem validation.

• Phase II (12 months): Prototyping and live testing, with the expectation of delivering a limited number of interceptors for evaluation.

MDA emphasized that the focus is on speed to fielding rather than long-term technology development.

Modular and Open Architecture Focus

All submissions must adhere to Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) standards, ensuring interchangeability of sensors, warheads, boosters, and guidance systems. This modular approach allows for rapid upgrades and integration with existing U.S. missile defense command-and-control infrastructure without requiring expensive overhauls.

Supplement, Not Replacement

The MDA highlighted that the Low-Cost Interceptor (LCI) is not intended to replace existing high-end interceptors such as the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) or the forthcoming Next Generation Interceptor (NGI). Instead, it will supplement legacy systems, providing affordable options for defeating massed salvos of short- and medium-range missiles, supersonic cruise weapons, and potentially hypersonic glide vehicles.

Strategic Importance

As potential adversaries expand their missile arsenals with cost-effective weapons, the U.S. faces growing pressure to defend against large-scale attacks without relying solely on expensive systems. By driving interceptor costs down, the MDA aims to preserve capacity, broaden industrial participation, and ensure layered defense coverage at scale.