Raytheon, a business unit of RTX Corporation, completed a ballistic test of the U.S. Army’s Next‑Generation Short‑Range Interceptor (NGSRI) on February 2, 2026. The test, conducted at a Tucson, Arizona range, proved the interceptor can track and engage drone‑type targets from a man‑portable launcher, confirming the system’s technical maturity ahead of the program’s flight‑test demonstration.
The NGSRI is designed to replace the Army’s aging Stinger missile, a capability that has been a priority for several years. By demonstrating a faster, more accurate interceptor that can counter small, fast‑moving aerial threats—including drone swarms and cruise missiles—the test strengthens the Army’s short‑range air‑defense posture and accelerates the procurement timeline for the new system.
RTX’s Q4 2025 earnings, released on January 27, 2026, provide context for the milestone. The company reported revenue of $24.2 billion, up 12% year‑over‑year, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.55, up 1% year‑over‑year. Full‑year 2025 revenue reached $88.6 billion, a 10% increase, and adjusted EPS rose to $6.29, also up 10%. The Raytheon segment, which includes the NGSRI program, grew 7% in Q4 2025, driven by higher volumes in land and air defense systems, while the Pratt & Whitney segment saw a 25% sales increase and Collins Aerospace grew 3%.
Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, said the test “demonstrates the company’s strong partnership with the U.S. Army and our commitment to delivering a cost‑effective, technologically superior interceptor.” RTX Chairman and CEO Chris Calio added that the company is “well positioned to deliver our 2026 financial outlook” and is focused on expanding production capacity to meet growing customer demand.
The successful test reinforces RTX’s leadership in advanced air‑defense technology and positions the company to secure additional orders and funding for the next phases of NGSRI development and production. The milestone also signals to the Army that the replacement of the Stinger system is progressing on schedule, potentially shortening the timeline for fielding a more capable short‑range air‑defense solution in a rapidly evolving threat environment.
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