Northrop wins $289m contract for US Army’s IAMD IBCS development

The US Army has awarded a new contract to Northrop Grumman for an integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) battle command system (IBCS).

Under the $289m contract, the company will continue providing system design and development for the fielding of IBCS.

Through the agreement, Northrop will be responsible for upgrading and modernising IBCS engagement operations centres and integrated fire control network relays to improve performance, reliability and maintainability.

In addition, the company will develop and deliver IBCS software version 4.5 integrated with updates for the Patriot system and emerging threats.

Northrop Grumman Missile Defence and Protective Systems vice-president and general manager Dan Verwiel said: “IBCS creates a paradigm shift for IAMD, and we have proven many transformational capabilities that will be game-changers on the battlefield.

“IBCS maximises the combat potential of sensors and weapons while allowing future modernisation at lower overall lifecycle costs.

“From integrating weapons developed decades ago with capabilities still in development, to rapidly adding protection against emerging threats and enabling seamless multi-domain operations, through logistics, training and lifecycle support, IBCS is solving some of the most difficult defence challenges confronting our nation and allies today.”

The scope of the contract also includes the delivery of logistics, training and support for tests, including a planned flight test expected to be conducted late next year.

IBCS is a command-and-control (C2) system that serves as the foundation for the US Army’s IAMD modernisation programme, which is managed by the US Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

Featuring an open architecture environment, IBCS has been designed to integrate existing and future radars and weapons over a vast area.

It provides soldiers with voice and data connectivity, integrated air pictures and target information with unprecedented accuracy and contribute to a Link 16 network across all military services.