Raytheon Presents New MANPADS: Successor to the Stinger

The American company Raytheon has introduced a prototype of a new portable air-defense missile system – the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI), designed to replace the Stinger.

The development has been created with military experience in mind and is adapted to modern threats, including those posed by drones.

During a virtual battle demonstration, a soldier used the new optics to detect and destroy a drone that was invisible to the naked eye. According to Raytheon representatives, this was a “moment of revelation” for many operators testing the system.

NGSRI is equipped with an improved sight featuring a powerful zoom and the ability to detect aerial targets at long range. The missile has a greater range and speed compared with the Stinger, allowing more effective responses to new types of threats.

The system is designed for shoulder‑fired use, from the SGT STOUT armored vehicle, or from an Apache helicopter.

“Stinger remains the best portable air defense system in the world, but NGSRI opens a new level of capabilities,” Brenda Ortiz, Vice President of Ground-based Air Defense at Raytheon, shared.

In two years, the company has created the prototype, conducted 10 successful subsystem demonstrations, and incorporated feedback from the military. Full-scale testing of the missile system is planned for the end of 2025.