The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has chosen Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] to lead the development and deployment of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).

The multiyear contract is worth a reported $17 billion.

As the prime contractor for the NGI project, Lockheed Martin will deliver the the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. The NGI, equipped with multiple-kill vehicle technology, aims to safeguard the homeland against long-range ballistic missile threats posed by rogue nations.

In an online interview, Sarah Hiza, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin, expressed the company’s commitment to national security.

“Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the MDA on a revolutionary interceptor to advance our nation’s security. We are committed to delivering reliable interceptors that will seamlessly integrate with the GMD system and can rapidly evolve with the threat.”

The NGI program, under Lockheed Martin’s stewardship, is geared towards providing a capable, mature, reliable, and cost-effective interceptor solution. The project is progressing towards the Critical Design Review stage, which will be followed by integration with the broader weapon system and flight testing. Embracing digital tools and technologies, Lockheed Martin aims to meet production needs efficiently, both presently and in the future.

In alignment with national defense, Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering the first NGI ahead of the warfighter’s requirements.

A new $16.5 million Missile System Integration Lab in Huntsville (MSIL) is where Lockheed Martin plans to conduct development, testing, and system integration for the nation’s next long range ballistic missile defense interceptor – the Next Generation Interceptor.

The MSIL will also house a digital engineering center and key infrastructure to create and maintain a digital thread throughout the integration process.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to North Alabama and this facility is further evidence of that,” Robert Lightfoot, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space, said at the facility’s opening in November. “We are pleased to celebrate adding an advanced facility to our Huntsville campus today — the same year we mark 60 years in the Rocket City supporting our customers.”