Northrop Grumman has completed a key flight test for Jackal, its next-generation precision strike missile, demonstrating the capability’s flight system readiness.

During the test, Jackal demonstrated rapid response through its automated turbojet engine start, precise autopilot-controlled flight and flexible high-speed maneuvering. These tests confirm the technical readiness of Jackal’s airframe, propulsion, navigation and autopilot systems.

This builds on ongoing efforts to provide military forces with precise, reliable strike options amid evolving security challenges with additional testing and evaluation are planned as the program progresses toward operational readiness.

Key capabilities include:

• Speed: Sustains speeds over 300 mph
• Range: Extends up to 100 km from surface launch or 125 km from air launch
• Precision: Uses AI-driven algorithms to autonomously identify and engage threats, even without direct line-of-sight
• Mobility: Integrates with light tactical vehicles, supporting up to eight launch canisters for rapid-fire missions

Jackal is engineered for contested environments - including GPS-denied conditions -and features a versatile single airframe for multi-domain deployment. Its optimized flight path minimizes detection, enabling timely strikes before targets can react to enhance operational effectiveness and maneuver force safety.

Northrop Grumman Corporation also announced one of its industry collaborators, Apex, will support its leading role in the US historic drive to make space-based interceptors (SBI) a reality by the end of the decade.

As part of the service’s competition to demonstrate space-based missile defense and field a network of SBIs to protect the homeland soon after, Northrop Grumman is:

• Driving a culture of success with first-of-a-kind missile defense systems to build a new layer of homeland defense with an agile, nation-spanning workforce and industry partners including Apex.
• Bringing decades of investment in missile defense technology, manufacturing capacity and expertise to demonstrate scalable space-based interceptor capabilities.
• Delivering proven capability using modern artificial intelligence.

Ryan Tintner, Vice President and General Manager, Space Superiority Systems Division, Northrop Grumman, said: “We’re combining our advanced missile defense technologies and commercial partnerships to demonstrate next generation space-based interceptor capabilities in support of our nation's Golden Dome priorities. We have already completed key ground tests this year and are uniquely positioned with Apex to rapidly accelerate and scale affordable production to defend the homeland.”

Ian Cinnamon, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Apex, commented: “Apex was founded specifically to support proliferated constellations like Golden Dome, which will require satellites to create a decisive defensive advantage for our nation. This partnership will enable operational, constellation-scale space-based missile defense and allow us to rapidly support an urgent need.”

Northrop Grumman will add space-based interceptor capabilities to its stable of missile defense technologies, meeting the fight at new heights.

Details on Program: 

• SBIs are a component of a layered missile defense system designed to defeat missiles in flight. 
• Northrop Grumman will fund demonstration of SBI systems capable of intercepting threats for the U.S. government’s prize competition, building on the $1 billion company-led investment in missile-defense technology.
• With successful ground-test demonstrations completed this year, the company is on track to deliver on-orbit capability in 2027.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. The company’s pioneering solutions equip customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe.

Apex is the world’s first mass-manufacturer of productized satellite bus platforms designed to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding space industrial base. Founded in 2022, Apex manufactures scalable spacecraft solutions for both commercial and government customers.