The Department of Defense is perpetually concerned with how to best diffuse and counteract missile threats from near-peer adversaries. Hence, systems like the U.S. Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability, or IFPC. This deterrence mechanism is meant to dispose of incoming cruise missiles and drones and protect fixed and semi-fixed targets from rockets, artillery and mortars.
On Thursday, the Army published a request for information to Sam.gov, the government contracts marketplace, indicating its search for a second interceptor for the IFPC, Defense News reported.
For all the latest on what technologies and strategies the Army is currently working on and what’s coming down the pike, you must attend the Potomac Officers Club’s annual Army Summit. This year’s event is scheduled for June and all of the biggest names in defense contracting will be in attendance, hearing from and connecting with the service branch’s most astute minds. Register here now at the early bird price!
The Army is in search of an interceptor with a larger magazine capacity than the first edition of the launcher, which can hold 18 missiles. A program executive officer for the branch says if the Army were to opt for a different class of missile, which is likely, it could only hold six, which is far too few considering what’s at stake if the interceptor were actually put to use.
Per the RFI, the missile needs to be able to shield against electronic warfare incursions, boast enhanced seeker performance and reach various altitudes and ranges with a rocket motor, which can expedite travel time.
The first interceptor was built by RTX — the AIM-9X missile. The service branch previously inquired about the second interceptor more than one year ago and RTX and Lockheed Martin both offered their services. Leidos’ Dynetics subsidiary is responsible for developing and creating the entire IFPC system.
Army officials may offer more details on the IFPC and programs like it at the 2024 Army Summit, hosted by Potomac Officers Club. Register here to save your spot.
