HUNTSVILLE — Lockheed Martin recently delivered the first flight software package for the nation’s next-generation ICBM interceptor ahead of schedule.

The delivery to the Missile Defense Agency marks a critical step on the path to flight testing and fielding, the company said.

“Our engineering team delivered this robust capability to our customer over a month early using Lockheed Martin’s NGI Software Factory,” said Sarah Reeves, vice president of NGI at Lockheed Martin. “The software factory enhances reliability and allows for faster development time in the future.”

This software is critical for NGI to complete its mission: to protect the U.S. homeland from increasing and evolving ICBM threats. Lockheed Martin used open architectures and agile processes, leveraging development, security and operations to achieve this milestone early.

In support of its work on NGI, Lockheed Martin recently broke ground on the Missile System Integration Lab in Huntsville. The new facility will initially be used exclusively for development within the NGI program.

The first Lockheed Martin NGI is forecast for delivery in FY2027.