US Army, Northrop Grumman Complete Latest IBCS Test

The U.S. Army and Northrop Grumman have concluded a demonstration in New Mexico, where they incorporated a multi-mission radar and vehicle-mounted sensors into the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System for the interception of a cruise missile target.

During the test, the IBCS analyzed data collected by the Marine Corps AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar system, two Army Sentinel radars, one Army Patriot radar and two U.S. Air Force F-35 fighter aircraft.

IBCS made it possible to differentiate between two cruise missile targets, one performing an airborne electronic countermeasure mission and another targeting friendly units. Using IBCS, participants identified the missile that posed a threat and shot it down it using a Patriot Advanced Capability 3 interceptor, Northrop Grumman said.

Christine Harbison, vice president and general manager of combat systems and mission readiness at Northrop Grumman, touted the IBCS’ ability to incorporate and integrate joint sensors across multiple domains.

“By enabling joint operation and utilizing multiple sensors operating in various bands, IBCS was able to operate through the electronic attack environment so soldiers can identify, track and ultimately intercept the threat,” Harbison said in a statement.

The demo marks the eighth successful developmental or operational flight test performed with the IBCS program. The Army performed the first live-fire test of the IBCS in December 2019, wherein it intercepted two targets using a pair of Patriot Advanced Capability 2 missiles. A second intercept test followed in August 2020.

IBCS will be subject to an initial operational test and evaluation phase in the fall to determine whether it can be put under initial operational capability.