Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has completed a burst test of the second-stage motor case for its Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program, marking a development milestone ahead of a planned Critical Design Review (CDR) later this year.

Engineers filled the motor case with a carbon-fiber reinforced water vessel and inflated it beyond expected launch pressures. According to the company, the motor case withstood the required induced loads before failure, validating the composite structure's strength-to-weight ratio and confirming its ability to survive launch conditions.

"This successful burst test is a significant milestone on the path to CDR and brings us closer to fielding NGI by 2030," said Christopher Jewell, vice president of Lockheed Martin NGI.

The company said it is investing in manufacturing facilities in Alabama to support production of the interceptor, including advanced manufacturing techniques, production lines, tooling, and plant layouts. Lockheed Martin did not specify the dollar amount of those investments.

NGI is being developed as part of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense architecture, designed to intercept ballistic missile threats. The company has stated a target fielding date of 2030 for the program.