Northrop Grumman Corp. has been contracted by the U.S. Army for more than $1.3 billion for low-rate initial production and full-rate production of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). Part of the Army’s modernization strategy, the software-defined, hardware-enabled system networks any assortment of electronic sensors with the best effector to sense, identify, track, and defeat air and missile threats. The system operates across multiple domains—land, sea, air, and space—to provide a rapid response to detected threats. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal (AL) is the contracting activity. Work on the contract is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Northrop Grumman designs and manufactures many of the components and subsystems for IBCS, including integrated fire-control subsystems and network relays. The IBCS create a single integrated air picture across its multiple domains, incorporating warfighter feedback on user-friendly displays (see the figure). It features an open, modular architecture that enables rapid and practical integration of sensors and effectors with a cyber-secure network to coordinate all sensors and effectors. The system’s easy-to-learn operation encourages interoperability with U.S. armed forces and coalition forces. The first IBCS prototype was delivered in August 2010, with the first production sample delivered in March 2019. The IBCS is also currently part of the Polish government’s medium-range air and missile defense program, the first international partner to add the system as part of their modernization plans.