// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
GPI
The Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) is a defensive missile being developed to shoot down enemy hypersonic weapons. It is designed to intercept these ultra-fast, maneuvering threats during the 'glide phase,' which is the long middle portion of their flight through the upper atmosphere.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) is a kinetic energy weapon system developed by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to provide a regional defense capability against hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs). Integrated with the naval Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, GPI is designed to intercept high-speed, maneuvering atmospheric threats during their unpowered glide phase of flight, filling a critical gap in layered missile defense architectures.
BACKGROUND
National missile defense (NMD) refers to the nationwide antimissile program the United States has had under development since the 1990s. After the renaming in 2002, the term now refers to the entire program, not just the ground-based interceptors and associated facilities.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Glide Phase Interceptor
- Hypersonic Defense Interceptor
- Counter-HGV
- Aegis GPI
- Regional Glide Phase Weapon System
- HGV Interceptor
USAGE NOTE
GPI is a development program central to discussions about countering the emerging threat of hypersonic weapons from peer adversaries like China and Russia.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to GPI.
A prime contractor selected by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to develop a prototype for the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program, designed to intercept hypersonic weapons.
One of two prime contractors chosen by the MDA to design and develop a competing Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) prototype to counter high-speed, maneuvering hypersonic threats.
The U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for developing a layered defense against ballistic and hypersonic missiles. The MDA is managing the GPI program to create a new layer of defense.
A major defense contractor that was awarded an initial contract for the GPI program's first phase to mature its interceptor design, though it was not selected for the subsequent prototyping phase.
Through its subsidiary Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris develops and supplies critical solid rocket motor propulsion systems used in missile defense interceptors, including those being designed for the GPI program.
A key partner on Northrop Grumman's GPI team, providing advanced sensor and seeker technologies required for the interceptor to acquire, track, and engage hypersonic targets.