Lockheed Taps Raytheon to Help Design Payload for Next-Gen Missile Warning System

Lockheed Martin has selected Raytheon as one of the contractors that will design the payload for a new missile detection technology that would replace the U.S. Air Force’s existing Space Based Infrared System satellites.

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Raytheon said Wednesday it is already working on the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Block 0 resilient missile warning satellite for the service branch.

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The Next Gen OPIR Block 0 program aims to provide the U.S. military with an improved, more resilient missile warning compared to the existing SBIRS system in orbit. 

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The Air Force requires Lockheed and its partners to deliver the first OPIR Block 0 satellite over the next five years.

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Raytheon will assist Lockheed from the development through the system critical design review of the program scheduled for November 2020.

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“This is an urgent program, so going fast and getting it right the first time are critically important,” said Roy Azevedo, president of Raytheon's space and airborne systems business.