Pentagon deems Army’s Integrated Battle Command System ready for prime time
“The full-rate production decision enables the US Army to set the fielding schedule for IBCS to operational air defense units,” prime contractor Northrop Grumman said.
By ASHLEY ROQUE
on April 13, 2023 at 2:48 PM
WASHINGTON — Pentagon acquisition authorities have approved full-rate production for the Army’s delayed Integrated Battle Command System, the service announced on Wednesday, a move that enables it to proceed producing the centerpiece of its air and missile defense modernization strategy.
The Army’s IBCS is billed as the command-and-control heart of its air and missile defense architecture, but the program has been plagued with technical delays as the Army expanded the mission set and necessary capabilities over the years. However, this week’s announcement signifies Pentagon approval of program improvements, in part, because Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante is the one who made the call.
Prime contractor Northrop Grumman said in a statement today, “The full-rate production decision enables the US Army to set the fielding schedule for IBCS to operational air defense units.”
It also noted that this week’s decision paves the path for future foreign military sales, like Poland’s decision to acquire the IBCS to support its Patriot air defense systems, which was approved by the US back in 2017.
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/04/pentagon-deems-armys-integrated-battle-command-system-ready-for-prime-time/
