Anduril's Seat on Boeing's Interceptor Bid Is the Rocket Motor
Boeing brings the seeker and the airframe. Anduril brings the solid rocket motor, from a Mississippi plant it built because US motor supply had narrowed to two vendors.
Boeing brings the seeker and the airframe. Anduril brings the solid rocket motor, from a Mississippi plant it built because US motor supply had narrowed to two vendors.
The US Army selected Boeing to advance to Phase 2 of its Integrated Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 Second Interceptor competition, Boeing said Sept. 9. The midrange missile is meant to defend fixed and forward operating bases against cruise missiles, militarized drones and related aerial threats. Anduril Rocket Motor Systems supplies the solid rocket motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Army actually decide?
It selected Boeing to advance to Phase 2 of the IFPC Increment 2 Second Interceptor competition, Boeing said Sept. 9. This is a down-select into the next phase, not a production award. Neither the value nor a demonstration date was disclosed.
What is Anduril's role on the team?
Anduril Rocket Motor Systems supplies the interceptor's solid rocket motor. Boeing provides the seeker, the compact airframe and the Modular Open Systems Architecture. The two announced the partnership in December 2025.
Why does the Army need a second interceptor?
IFPC Increment 2, fielded as Enduring Shield, currently carries only the RTX-built AIM-9X on Dynetics launchers. The Army began seeking a second, more capable round more than two years ago, aimed at cruise missiles and militarized drones against fixed and forward operating bases.
Who else is competing?
Lockheed Martin, teamed with AeroVironment, took a development agreement in October 2025. Rafael's US arm stated in February that it had made Phase 1 with an entry based on the Iron Dome Tamir. A source familiar with the program told Defense Daily only two firms advanced; neither Lockheed nor Rafael has confirmed its status publicly.
What is the solid rocket motor bottleneck?
Anduril says decades of consolidation left the US market with two motor suppliers. It put more than $100 million of its own capital and $58 million in Defense Production Act funding into a 450-acre motor complex in Mississippi to add capacity.
Is the Army doing anything else on interceptor cost?
Yes. Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, who runs Army munitions modernization, told reporters a separate low-cost interceptor effort drew about 147 proposals and goes to a competitive shoot-off this fall.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.