Lockheed Martin has moved a key milestone forward by advancing construction of an 88,000‑square‑foot Missile Assembly Building‑5 (MAB‑5) in Courtland, Alabama. The new structure is dedicated to the production of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), the U.S. government’s next‑generation missile‑defense system designed to counter evolving ballistic‑missile threats.
The MAB‑5 is part of a nearly 100,000‑square‑foot expansion that will allow Lockheed to scale NGI production. Digital‑engineering tools and proven manufacturing practices from programs such as THAAD are being applied to the facility, enabling rapid, high‑volume production while maintaining stringent reliability and safety standards. Completion is expected in early 2026, positioning the company to meet the Missile Defense Agency’s projected demand for NGI interceptors.
The NGI program, for which Lockheed was awarded a $17 billion contract in April 2024, is a cornerstone of the U.S. Ground‑Based Midcourse Defense system. The program’s schedule is aggressive, with initial interceptor deliveries slated for late 2027 or 2028, and Congress has urged an earlier deployment. The Courtland facility therefore represents a strategic investment that reduces lead times, mitigates supply‑chain risk, and strengthens the U.S. missile‑defense posture.
Lockheed’s Vice President and General Manager of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems, Johnathon Caldwell, emphasized the scale of the investment: “We’re building out nearly 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and production spaces in Courtland dedicated to the NGI program.” He added that the new building “represents a major investment in our ability to produce the NGI at scale and meet the government’s need for rapid delivery.” U.S. Representative Dale Strong highlighted the local economic impact, noting that the facility will create good‑paying jobs and drive growth in the Courtland community.
Beyond the immediate operational benefits, the expansion signals Lockheed’s continued focus on high‑margin, high‑technology defense contracts. By leveraging digital engineering and proven manufacturing practices, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the growing missile‑defense market while maintaining cost discipline. The investment also reinforces Lockheed’s competitive edge over rivals such as Northrop Grumman, who were not selected for the NGI contract, and underscores the company’s commitment to sustaining its leadership in national‑security technology.
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