Northrop Grumman Corporation has announced that the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) has achieved initial operational capability (IOC) from the US Army. With this declaration, the system is now ready to be fielded to US Army units to further support the development of the system’s capabilities.
Northrop Grumman calls IBCS the 'cornerstone' of the US Army’s air and missile defence modernisation strategy, replacing the multiple current air and missile defence command and control systems with a single system.
The system reportedly completed 'rigorous and demanding' Initial Operational Test and Evaluation and numerous successful development and operational flight tests, demonstrating its ability to deliver decision-quality fire control data across joint networks, increasing situational awareness and time for decision making.
“IBCS has the leading role in the Army’s air and missile defense modernisation strategy because its ability to integrate multi-domain sensors to create fire quality fused data enables the warfighter to quickly decide on the best shooter to defend against incoming threats,” said Rebecca Torzone, vice president and general manager, combat systems and mission readiness, Northrop Grumman. “With its mature, proven and ready capabilities, IBCS transforms and extends the battlespace for the US and its allies.”
This news of the system achieving IOC comes on the heels of the program’s recent approval for Full Rate Production.
Northrop Grumman said these milestones are the result of the successful completion of critical testing, and development of logistics, support and training.
"To date, IBCS has integrated, or demonstrated integration on numerous sensors and shooters from all US service branches and allies," the company said. "IBCS can quickly integrate additional systems given its open architecture – enabling the US and its allies to move beyond interoperability to achieve the high level of multi-domain integration required today and in the future."
The IBCS forms the basis for Northrop Grumman Australia’s proposed solution for the Commonwealth's Air 6500 Phase 1 Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS). Northrop Grumman Australia is one of two shortlisted companies selected to participate in the Air 6500 Competitive Evaluation Process, alongside Lockheed Martin.