Boeing Expands U.S. Ground-Based Missile Defense System in Alaska by 50%

Boeing has completed construction of 20 new silos for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system at Fort Greely, Alaska, increasing the number of interceptors that can be deployed there from 40 to 60.

The project, which includes the necessary underground infrastructure, such as server facilities to maintain interceptor readiness, was reported by Defense News.

The Pentagon and the Missile Defense Agency reallocated funding in fiscal year 2017 to expand the number of ground-based interceptors from 44 to 64.

According to Defense News, Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska has proposed further expansion to 80 silos in the state and the creation of a similar facility on the U.S. East Coast.

In April 2024, Lockheed Martin secured a $17 billion contract to develop the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), designed to replace the existing Ground-Based Interceptors (GBI) used in the GMD system.

The missile is intended to engage intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the midcourse phase of flight, serving as the first line of U.S. missile defense.

The NGI project, launched in 2019, completed the interceptor’s design phase in 2023, which the Missile Defense Agency approved.

The development remains classified, but the first NGI interceptor is expected to enter trial operation by 2028.

As part of broader missile defense modernization efforts, upgrades will also be made to radar networks and related systems.

According to Defense News, the Defense Department will decide whether the new silos will house additional GBI interceptors, NGI missiles, or a combination of both.

For more on missile defense technology, read our in-depth report: Missile Defense: How It Works at Different Levels.