US navy explores next-gen missile for submarines to counter aerial threats

The US Navy is developing the Naval Modular Missile (NMM) programme to equip future submarines with a defensive capability against aircraft and drones.

The NMM will feature a common Terminal Stage Interceptor (TSI) core, designed with an open, modular architecture for easy upgrades and multiple mission profiles.

The programme's details emerged from a draft Request for Solutions (RFS) notice and an NMM Industry Day held by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

The initiative aims to increase missile capacity and reduce development and sustainment costs by using a shared technology base across missile variants.

The NMM programme has existed in some form since at least 2021, but the Navy has disclosed limited information so far.