Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) inaugurated an 88,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Courtland, Alabama, designed to produce Next Generation Interceptor missiles for the Missile Defense Agency.

The Missile Assembly Building 5 facility incorporates digital manufacturing tools and automated workflows intended to streamline production of the interceptor systems. The plant draws from practices used in the company's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense and hypersonics programs.

The Next Generation Interceptor is designed as an open system that integrates with space-based sensors, radars and command systems. The modular architecture allows for technology upgrades while the missile remains in its deployment silo.

"Think of this as deterrence through defense," said Christopher Jewell, NGI vice president and program manager at Lockheed Martin. "It sends a clear signal that threats can be detected, tracked and defeated before they ever reach their intended target."

Director of Golden Dome for America Gen. Mike Guetlein attended the facility opening. "You are not just building infrastructure, you are building the Arsenal of Freedom," Gen. Guetlein said.

The facility uses integrated digital tools that link design data to manufacturing operations. Core technologies for the interceptor system, including engagement capability, sensors, software and propulsion, are progressing through development testing ahead of Critical Design Review.

Lockheed Martin has operated in the region since 1963 and has produced defense systems in Courtland since 1994. The company's Troy, Alabama facility will also support interceptor production through hardware integration and manufacturing.

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong said the facility will create jobs in north Alabama while supporting homeland defense capabilities.