Lockheed Martin reaches key milestone in RIG-360 missile communications development

By Defence Industry Europe

Lockheed Martin has announced the successful completion of the first phase of its Remote Interceptor Guidance – 360 (RIG-360) Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) programme. This milestone represents a significant step toward delivering the first RIG-360 units to the field, in partnership with the U.S. Army’s PEO Missiles and Space, Integrated Fires and Mission Command (IFMC).

 

The development saw the completion of the first Array Assembly, officially moving the programme into its second phase. The Array Assembly is one of three critical subsystems and the most complex, serving as the communications hub that sends, receives and translates radio frequency data for beacon tracking.

 

 

RIG-360 is designed to enable 360-degree, in-flight communications for the Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) Family of Missiles within the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). It will support PAC-3 engagements and further the U.S. Army’s goal of pairing any sensor with the most suitable weapon system in its modern Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) architecture.

“RIG-360 is a game-changing capability,” said Stu Chaffey, director of Integrated Air and Missile Defense Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “RIG-360’s capabilities will allow soldiers to use the best weapon available on the Integrated Battle Command System (ICBS) Integrated Fire Control Network (IFCN) to eliminate incoming threats.”

 

 

The IFMC awarded a $114 million definitised contract for the RIG-360 programme on 9 May 2025, marking another major milestone and underlining its commitment to the effort. In support of the programme, Lockheed Martin is constructing a dedicated RIG-360 EMD production facility in Grand Prairie, Texas.

The new site will incorporate state-of-the-art manufacturing tools and consolidate personnel, equipment and processes to improve speed, efficiency and innovation. Completion of the facility is scheduled for late 2026.

 

 

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