The US Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), developed by Northrop Grumman, has successfully integrated with the service’s new Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system.
It showcased its capability to connect with diverse sensors and effectors.
IFPC ground-based weapon system is designed to safeguard assets such as command centres and airfields.
During flight tests conducted at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the IBCS system detected, identified, and tracked two surrogate uncrewed aerial vehicle targets and a surrogate cruise missile.
It then engaged and neutralised these manoeuvring surrogate targets using the IFPC system.
IBCS serves as a mission command fire control system that consolidates current and future systems across various sources, services, and domains.
Its network-enabled, modular, open, and scalable architecture allows for the fusion of sensor data, providing warfighters a view of the battlespace.
This capability enhances decision-making by offering more time to counter threats and supports joint and coalition multi-domain operations.
Northrop Grumman global battle management and readiness vice-president and general manager Kenn Todorov said: “With IBCS’ innovative, game-changing technology, the US Army can test emerging systems like IFPC that will help modernise air and missile defence.
“IBCS’ ready-now capabilities connect any sensor and any effector across the battlespace, allowing the most effective weapon to take out the threat.”
Currently in production, IBCS is deployed in Poland and is expected for deployment in Guam as part of the US Army's integrated air and missile defence modernisation programme.
The system has integrated with an array of sensors and shooters, including the Patriot, Sentinel, F-35, Common Anti-Air Modular Missile, Giraffe, and Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, among others.
In June 2024, Northrop Grumman delivered the first production IBCS Engagement Operations Centre and Integrated Fire Control Network relay to the US Army.
This delivery, along with the Integrated Collaborative Environment provided in December 2023, completes the initial set of IBCS units delivered under the low-rate initial production contract.
