Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has secured a coveted position on the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) contract, marking a significant milestone in the company’s defence technology portfolio. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreement, with a ceiling value of US$151 billion, is designed to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced homeland missile defence capabilities. This contract underscores the MDA’s commitment to fostering rapid innovation and operational agility in response to evolving threats.
The SHIELD contract spans a broad spectrum of mission areas, including directed energy, command-and-control system integration, data and cyber operations, microelectronics, spectrum management, live, virtual and constructive training environments, as well as logistics and sustainment. For HII, this award opens new avenues for its Mission Technologies division to leverage its existing expertise and expand its contributions to national security.
Andy Green, executive vice president of HII and president of Mission Technologies, emphasised the strategic importance of the SHIELD contract. “This award reinforces our commitment to supporting US homeland defence objectives and advancing national security,” Green said. “SHIELD is a critical element of the current vision for layered homeland defence, and HII is well-positioned to contribute capabilities in areas such as directed energy, microelectronics, and systems integration.”
The SHIELD IDIQ contract provides a long-term framework for the MDA to engage with industry partners, enabling rapid prototyping, integration, and deployment of next-generation defensive systems. This approach ensures that the agency can swiftly adapt to emerging threats and maintain a technological edge in homeland defence.
For HII, the contract aligns closely with the company’s existing portfolio and technical capabilities. The Mission Technologies division is poised to deliver innovative solutions that enhance the MDA’s ability to protect the nation against sophisticated missile threats. By focusing on directed energy, microelectronics, and systems integration, HII aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of homeland defence.
The SHIELD contract represents a significant opportunity for HII to further solidify its position as a key player in the defence technology sector. As the MDA continues to evolve its strategies and requirements, HII’s involvement in the SHIELD program will be crucial in driving forward the development of cutting-edge defence solutions.
In summary, HII’s inclusion in the SHIELD contract not only highlights the company’s technical prowess but also underscores its dedication to national security. As the defence landscape continues to evolve, HII’s contributions will be instrumental in ensuring the United States maintains a robust and adaptive defence posture.