Boeing and Anduril have partnered to develop a new high-speed interceptor intended to strengthen the US Army’s layered air and missile defense architecture.
The collaboration is focused on the Army’s Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor program, which aims to field a dedicated mid-range intercept solution. Under the partnership, Anduril will provide the interceptor’s solid rocket motor, a critical element for countering low-altitude, mid-range threats including cruise missiles and one-way attack drones.
Boeing, meanwhile, will serve as the lead integrator and system developer under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Project Agreement signed on December 5.
The program’s objective is to deliver an interceptor that balances performance and affordability while ensuring seamless integration across the Army’s short- and long-range air defense networks.
Prior to this effort, the US Army relied on the AIM-9X Sidewinder as an interim mid-range air defense capability. Originally designed as an air-to-air missile, the AIM-9X was adapted for ground-based use to counter cruise missiles and unmanned aerial threats.
Although effective as a temporary solution, the Sidewinder was not purpose-built for sustained mid-range air defense operations.
The Boeing–Anduril interceptor is intended to close this capability gap by providing a dedicated, optimized weapon designed to expand coverage against a broad spectrum of aerial threats.
