The United States intends to significantly increase its air defense capabilities. Yesterday, October 11, the portal defensenews.com He announced that full-scale production of the promising IBCS air defense system could begin as early as 2023.
The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Combat Control System (IBCS, Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System) has been developed for about ten years and should replace the Patriot system in service. After the failure of the tests in 2016, the contractors significantly improved it, and in 2020 it showed its effectiveness.
Scheme of operation of the IBCS system
Image source: northropgrumman.com
It is planned that at the beginning of next year, Raytheon will transfer the last contracted LTAMDS radars. At the end of 2022, the final tests of the air defense system will take place, and from 2023, full—scale production of some of its elements will begin - new interceptor missiles and launchers for them will be ordered later.
IBCS is being developed as the "brain" of the promising air and missile defense of the US army. It will combine not only radars and launchers created to replace Patriot, but will also become the core of an integrated air defense system that will process data from all possible sources, including fighter jets.