Northrop Grumman Corporation recently reported a successful test of a defense system that the military news outlet Special Operations Forces Report (SOFREP) has dubbed "a real game-changer."
The test of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where the IBCS demonstrated its ability to use data from sensors to acquire, track, engage and intercept a long-range cruise missile surrogate.
The purpose of the system, which will be used by the U.S. Army, is to connect sensors not initially designed to work together into one control system, creating a network between sensors such as radars to any shooter. Warfighters are thus given more data at quicker speeds to allow for rapid action in battlefield situations.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) first approved production of manufacturer Northrop Grumman's IBCS last year. Weapons that have been successfully integrated together using IBCS include PAC missiles, F-35 aircraft and Giraffe search radars.
Rebecca Torzone—vice president and general manager, global battle management and readiness at Northrop Grumman—indicated the recent New Mexico test incorporated a Patriot missile.
"The integration of LTAMDS [Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors] and Patriot into IBCS is a crucial element in modernizing integrated air and missile defense. Ready now, IBCS is the cornerstone of the globally connected battle space to defeat increasing complex threats," Torzone said in a statement.
Newsweek reached out to Northrop Grumman for further comment via email on Monday.
Not only is IBCS designed to integrate with current military equipment, but its components will reportedly allow it to work with future weapons.
In describing the capabilities of IBCS, SOFREP said the system "isn't just another piece of tech; it's the evolution of battlefield smarts, and it's coming in hot and heavy."
The outlet also called IBCS "a conductor of a symphony of air and missile defenses," while noting Northrop Grumman has been working at an accelerated pace to get the equipment to the Army as soon as possible.
The defense system has already achieved initial operational capability, which means it's available for deployment on the battlefield, and it's scheduled for fielding later this year.
"Providing IBCS equipment for testing and fielding brings more accurate decision-making, improved situational awareness, and a shield of security to the warfighter," Torzone said in a separate statement released in February.
SOFREP further praised IBCS as "a pivotal shift" and "a leap from the old clunky way of doing things to a sleek, integrated network that's as sharp as a tack."
"The brass at Northrop Grumman are not just selling a system; they're peddling the future of warfighting," it said.
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