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

US company Northrop Grumman has completed operational tests of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), which combines Sentinel and Patriot radars, PAC-3 interceptors, as well as communication systems between them.

Here's What We Know

Tests of the anti-missile system took place at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. They began in January 2022 and lasted for 10 months. During that time period, the IBCS participated in complex tests covering a wide range of attack and defense scenarios in realistic environments. According to Northrop Grumman, the system was subjected to "unprecedented stresses." The test took place under the close scrutiny of experts from the U.S. Army.

The missile defense system was able to successfully detect, track and intercept aerial targets: one high-precision tactical ballistic missile and two aerial targets simulating cruise missiles. Christine Harbison, one of Northrop Grumman's vice presidents, said the successful IBCS test makes the Joint All-Domain Command and Control system a reality.

During the test the main target was a ballistic missile. Before it was launched, cruise missile simulators began to move toward the IBCS. They were moving 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. IBCS operators used Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missile systems to intercept the threats.

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

Source:Northrop Grumman