Lockheed Martin opens new facility in Courtland

Lockheed Martin cut the ribbon today on its new 88,000-square foot, purpose-built Missile Assembly Building 5 in Courtland.

The 88,000-square foot facility will produce the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and bolster the nation’s layered missile defense architecture.

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New Lockheed Martin plant opens in Lawrence County

Lockheed Martin has been present in North Alabama since 1963 and has been producing defense systems in Courtland since 1994.

This new facility consolidates Lockheed Martin’s most sophisticated digital manufacturing tools and smart processes, enabling high efficiency, repeatable production.

According to a report from the company, the plant draws best practices from high-reliability programs like Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and hypersonics and adopts a “digital twin” methodology that reduces risk from design through sustainment.

By bringing together digital engineering and modern manufacturing techniques, this facility is designed to accelerate production while maintaining standards of quality and reliability.

“This state-of-the-art facility will play a major role in protecting our homeland as well as reshaping Courtland’s role as a steady source of quality jobs and growth for the Tennessee Valley.”

_{Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL)}

What is the Next Generation Interceptor?

NGI is an open system interceptor that meshes with a layered defense network of space-based sensors, radars, command and control systems and other interceptors.

“Think of this as deterrence through defense. It sends a clear signal that threats can be detected, tracked and defeated before they ever reach their intended target.”

_{Christopher Jewell, NGI vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin}

NGI is moving from design to production, with key elements of the system advancing through development test and integration. Core technologies, including the interceptor’s engagement capability, sensors, software and propulsion, are demonstrating system-level performance and operation ahead of Critical Design Review (CDR). 

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