Northrop Grumman has successfully completed a key test phase of the IBCS missile defense system - it successfully intercepted a ballistic missile

The American company Northrop Grumman has completed operational tests of the anti-missile system

Defense Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), which integrates Sentinel and Patriot radars, PAC-3 interceptors, and communications systems between them.

What is known

Anti-missile system tests passed at the test siteWhite Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. They started in January 2022 and lasted for 10 months. During this period of time, IBCS has taken part in complex tests covering a wide range of attack and defense scenarios in realistic conditions. According to Northrop Grumman, the system was subjected to "unprecedented loads." The tests took place under the close attention of experts from the US Army.

The missile defense system was able to successfullydetect, track and intercept air targets: one high-precision tactical ballistic missile and two air targets imitating cruise missiles. Christine Harbison, one of the vice presidents of Northrop Grumman, said that the successful test of IBCS makes it possible to realize the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bcreating a joint global command and control system for the armed forces (Joint All-Domain Command and Control).

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During the tests, the main goal wasballistic missile. Prior to its launch, cruise missile simulators began to move towards the IBCS. They moved at low altitudes independently of each other. The anti-missile system was able to collect data from different radars and was able to calculate the direction of each air object. To intercept threats, IBCS system operators used Patriot PAC-3 anti-aircraft missile systems.

Northrop Grumman plans to conduct another test of the system in the future. After that, the company will be able to start production of IBCS.

Source: Northrop Grumman