Lockheed Martin announced the opening of its new 88,000-square-foot Missile Assembly Building 5 (MAB-5) in Courtland, Alabama, a purpose-built facility designed to manufacture the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. The facility is intended to expand advanced manufacturing capacity and support the rapid delivery of homeland missile defense capabilities.
The new plant incorporates digital manufacturing technologies, automation, and data-driven production processes to improve efficiency, quality, and scalability. Lockheed Martin said the facility leverages lessons learned from programs such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and hypersonics initiatives while utilizing a digital twin approach to reduce risk throughout the product lifecycle.
NGI is being developed as an open architecture interceptor that integrates with a layered missile defense network consisting of space-based sensors, radars, command-and-control systems, and other interceptors. The system’s modular design enables upgrades and technology insertions without requiring removal of the interceptor from its silo, reducing maintenance costs and improving adaptability to emerging threats.
The opening comes as NGI progresses from development toward production. Lockheed Martin said key technologies, including engagement systems, sensors, software, and propulsion components, are demonstrating performance ahead of the program’s Critical Design Review.
The company noted that MAB-5 was specifically designed around NGI production requirements, enabling streamlined workflows, tighter manufacturing tolerances, improved quality control, and faster production ramp-up as the program evolves. Digital tools directly connect engineering data with factory operations to enhance configuration management and production repeatability.
The new facility also reinforces Lockheed Martin’s long-term investment in Alabama. The company has operated in the region since 1963 and has produced defense systems in Courtland since 1994. In addition to Courtland, Lockheed Martin’s Troy, Alabama, facility will support NGI production through hardware integration and large-scale manufacturing activities.
KEY QUOTES:
“You are not just building infrastructure, you are building the Arsenal of Freedom. We are moving with purpose, with urgency, and we are moving out…we are forging the shield to secure the Homeland together.”
“Golden Dome for America is real, and it is not theoretical. We are building it right now in Courtland. We are taking proven, world-class capabilities, combining them with next-generation space-based tracking and advanced interceptors, and fusing them together with Artificial Intelligence.”
Gen. Mike Guetlein, Director, Golden Dome for America
“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.”
“NGI was designed from the start to adapt. Its digital foundation allows new technologies to be integrated more quickly, ensuring the system can stay ahead of emerging threats.”
“These facilities were intentionally designed around the system they produce. By aligning the factory to the product at the onset of development, we can improve quality, increase efficiency, adapt and ramp up production quicker as the system evolves.”
Christopher Jewell, Vice President and Program Manager, Next Generation Interceptor, Lockheed Martin
“The talent in north Alabama is the engine behind the next generation of our nation’s defense systems, and this project will create high-skill jobs and new career pathways while strengthening our local economy. 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.”
Dale Strong, U.S. Representative
