The United States Army is moving forward with a sophisticated new air defense system designed to counter an array of modern aerial threats. The Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 system is on schedule to enter production in early 2026, with the goal of achieving initial operational capability by mid-2027. This ground-based platform is designed to address the growing threat posed by cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks, filling a crucial gap in the nation’s defense architecture.
Bridging a Critical Gap
The IFPC Inc. 2 system is designed to provide a vital protective layer for fixed and semi-fixed locations, such as forward operating bases and key military infrastructure. Its development addresses the space between short-range air defense systems, such as the Avenger, and long-range strategic assets, including the Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems. This “middle-tier” capability is tailored to defend high-value sites that are increasingly vulnerable to low-flying and small-signature threats that can evade traditional detection methods.
The strategic necessity for such a system has been starkly illustrated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The extensive use of loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and long-range rockets by Russia has highlighted the vulnerability of military and civilian infrastructure to sustained aerial bombardment. These events have underscored the value of layered and modular air defense systems capable of effectively engaging a diverse range of threats.
Advanced Integrated Technology
All sensor and launcher data is fed into the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS). This command-and-control platform enables operators to view a unified air picture, processing real-time data from various sources to optimize engagement decisions. This high level of integration is critical for defending against complex, multi-layered attacks.
For its interceptor, the IFPC Inc. 2 has adapted the highly maneuverable AIM-9X Sidewinder missile for ground launch. Initially an air-to-air missile, its agility and advanced infrared seeker make it highly effective against fast and low-signature targets. The system is also being designed with future interoperability in mind, with plans to incorporate other interceptors, such as the Tamir missile used in Israel’s Iron Dome. These interceptors will be deployed from a new, highly mobile multi-mission launcher designed for rapid deployment and logistical efficiency.
Path to Production and Fielding
Developmental testing for the IFPC Inc. 2 began in January 2024 and has progressed through several phases. The final stage of testing is expected to conclude in 2025, verifying that the system meets all operational requirements before moving into mass production.
In November 2024, Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos, was awarded a contract valued at up to $4.1 billion for the production of the IFPC Inc. 2 systems. The initial order comprises 18 launchers, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2029. As it moves toward full operational capability, the IFPC Inc. 2 is set to become a cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s modernized air and missile defense strategy, providing a robust and adaptable shield to protect U.S. and allied forces from the evolving threats of the modern battlefield.
