US Army Contracts Lockheed Martin for Indirect Fire Protection Capability Enhancement

Contract Details

On October 15, the US Army awarded Lockheed Martin an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract to prototype a second interceptor for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2). This development is part of ongoing efforts to bolster the Army’s defensive measures against emerging aerial threats.

Collaborative Efforts

Lockheed Martin is collaborating with AV, a new entity formed from the merger of AeroVironment and BlueHalo. This partnership will leverage AV’s advanced Freedom Eagle missile technology and Lockheed Martin’s extensive missile expertise. Chris Murphy, the business development director for Integrated Air and Missile Defense Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, indicated that this phase will last approximately ten months and will focus on trade studies.

Other Industry Stakeholders

Other defense contractors, including Boeing and Rafael, have signaled their expectation of receiving OTAs. A Boeing representative confirmed that they are finalizing negotiations for an OTA and anticipate an official contract award imminently. Rafael Systems Global Sustainment, the US subsidiary of Rafael, disclosed that a variant of the Tamir missile has been proposed for inclusion in this program.

Strategic Implications of the IFPC Inc 2 Program

The IFPC 2nd Interceptor program aims to deliver an integrated and robust defensive solution that bridges the capabilities between short-range air-defense systems and the more extensive Patriot air and missile defense systems.

• Current Interceptor: The initial interceptor selected for IFPC Inc 2 is Raytheon’s AIM-9X Sidewinder, which is launched from a Leidos Dynetics ground-based platform.
• Target Enhancement: The Army has expressed the need for a weapon system specifically optimized for engaging both subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles, reinforcing the necessity of the new interceptor prototype.

Recent Developments

Among recent developments, AV’s Freedom Eagle was recently chosen for the Next-Generation Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Missile (NGCM) initiative, highlighting the organization’s capabilities in addressing advanced aerial threats.

In summary, the award to Lockheed Martin for the IFPC Inc 2 interceptor prototype marks a significant step in the US Army’s efforts to enhance its aerial defense capabilities against diverse threats. The collaborative nature of the project demonstrates a commitment to leveraging innovative technologies and expertise from various industry players.