Boeing has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for the concept definition and program planning phase of the Next Generation Aegis Missile (NGAM).

NGAM is a key component of the Obama administration's Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense in Europe. It will provide capability against emerging longer-range ballistic missile threats.

Boeing has established a program office for NGAM operations in Huntsville and is ready to begin developing this advanced defense capability.

"We are proud to submit our bid for this important project, which represents the future of regional missile defense," said Greg Hyslop, vice president, Boeing Strategic Missile and Defense Systems. "Our team is uniquely qualified to lead in the development of NGAM - a capability that will be critical to the United States and its allies in meeting future potential threats."

The MDA is expected to award multiple NGAM contracts in 2011, with deployment scheduled for the 2020 time frame.

Boeing is the largest aerospace company in Alabama and one of the state's largest employers.

Current company operations in Huntsville include the Ground-based Midcourse Defense program and other missile defense work, such as the Arrow system and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 seeker, as well as work associated with Ares I, the International Space Station, Army Integrated Logistics, Brigade Combat Team Modernization, SBInet, and engineering for the 787 and the P-8A Poseidon.