Leidos is preparing to take production of their Indirect Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) launchers to the next level
IFPC Inc 2 is a mobile, ground-based weapon system capable of countering unmanned aerial vehicle and cruise missile threats. It offers rapid reload times and provides comprehensive 360-degree coverage. The system integrates with the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) network, enabling a plug-and-play defense operation. It is also designed to bridge the gap between tactical short-range air defense and strategic systems, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and Patriot forces.
In December, the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office – Missiles & Space (PEO M&S) awarded the company an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) production order, which includes ordering scope for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP); Full-Rate Production (FRP); and a wide range of support and services to field the launcher units. PEO M&S has awarded the first Delivery Order (DO) under the IDIQ to produce 18 launchers in support of Guam Defense Systems (GDS). The exact number of units to be ordered for the LRIP and FRP will be determined as the program moves forward. It will also cover support and services.
“We have been preparing for this phase long before our first prototype system delivers in 2023,” said Larry Barisciano, land systems lead for Leidos. “This latest production order underscores the demand for this critical capability. With affordable and transformative scalability, we’re driving proactive solutions to protect our warfighters and essential infrastructure worldwide. We’re fiercely committed to delivering this mission-critical system with unmatched speed and precision.”
„This investment in cruise missile defense is essential to strengthening our integrated layered Air and Missile Defense capabilities,“ said Col. Andrew Lunoff, program manager for the Army’s Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD). „It demonstrates our focus on rapid development and deployment, ensuring we can effectively counter this evolving threat.“
The open architecture and interoperability of the IFPC Inc 2 system enables flexibility in configuration and effector to align with real-world changes in the mission. For example, the current launchers utilize an AIM-9X interceptor, but future deliveries will be ready to integrate with new interceptors as the Army explores additional effector options.
“Our 2019 acquisition of Dynetics has significantly enhanced our manufacturing capabilities,” said Cindy Gruensfelder, president of the Defense Systems Sector at Leidos. “Not only are we delivering software and signal processing breakthroughs, we’re also rapidly delivering hardware and integrated systems to the warfighter at speed. We are truly becoming an industry partner who can be relied on to rapidly deliver comprehensive solutions.”
The new launchers will also play a crucial role in supporting the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a top priority for the region’s defense. This specific contract runs through December 2026, while the remaining orders stretch to 2029.
