// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
IFPC
The Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) is a U.S. Army system designed to protect ground forces and critical assets from various air threats, including rockets, artillery, mortars (RAM), and cruise missiles. It integrates different interceptor missiles and sensors into a common command and control network.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) is a U.S. Army integrated air defense system that provides layered defense against Indirect Fire (RAM) and cruise missile threats, utilizing common command and control (C2) to orchestrate diverse interceptors such as AIM-9X, SkyHunter (Tamir), and PAC-3 MSE, along with advanced sensors, for comprehensive asset protection.
BACKGROUND
The United States Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense [IAMD] Battle Command System (IBCS) is a plug-and-fight network intended to let a radar or any other defensive sensor feed its data to any available weapon—colloquially, "connect any sensor to any shooter". The IBCS is designed to link radars across thousands of miles and shoot down short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Indirect Fire Protection
- C-RAM (Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar)
- SHORAD (Short-Range Air Defense)
- Air Defense System
- Multi-Mission Launcher System
USAGE NOTE
IFPC is a critical component of the U.S. Army's modernized air defense strategy, designed to protect fixed and mobile assets against evolving aerial threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to IFPC.
Raytheon is a primary contractor for the U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2, developing the Coyote interceptor, a key component designed to defeat cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems, and rockets, artillery, and mortars.
Dynetics developed the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2-S launcher, which is a crucial part of the Army's enduring short-range air defense solution, capable of integrating various interceptors.
The RCCTO is the primary U.S. Army organization responsible for rapidly developing and fielding critical technologies, including overseeing the development and integration of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system.
Lockheed Martin is a major defense contractor involved in various aspects of integrated air and missile defense systems, including radar technologies, command and control systems, and missile development, all of which are critical to indirect fire protection capabilities.
Northrop Grumman develops advanced battle management, command and control (BMC2) systems, sensors, and interceptor components that contribute to the overall architecture and effectiveness of indirect fire protection capabilities.
Rafael is the developer of the Iron Dome system, which provides highly effective protection against short-range rockets, artillery shells, and mortars. While distinct from the U.S. Army's IFPC Inc 2, Iron Dome has been acquired by the U.S. Army for interim indirect fire protection needs and represents a leading capability in this domain.