Dynetics secure contracts to provide Indirect Fire Protection Capabilities and Common Hypersonic Glide Body to US Army

News, US November 29, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

American defense firm Dynetics has been awarded a $4.1 billion contract to supply the U.S. Army with Indirect Fire Protection Capability and a $670.5 million contract to develop the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB).

The two contracts on missile interception and hypersonic technology collectively underscore the military’s commitment to advanced weaponry to protect domestic and international interests.

The IFPC is an advanced ground-based, mobile weapon system designed to intercept and neutralize unmanned aerial systems (UAS), cruise missiles, rockets, artillery, and mortars, while the C-HGB is a revolutionary munition capable of traveling at hypersonic speeds and striking targets at a range of over 2,775 kilometers.

The initial phase of the IFPC contract involves the production of 18 enhanced IFPC launchers, with a maximum value of $204 million. Out of this, $99 million has been immediately allocated, allowing Dynetics to commence work on the project.

“With this contract award, the U.S. Army advances its commitment to defending U.S. interests by bringing us one step closer to fulfilling our mission of providing robust and layered defense against ballistic missile attacks,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer Missile and Space.

Earlier this year, the Pentagon reinforced the IFPC initiative with the delivery of four High-Power Microwave systems by tech company Epirus. These systems enhance the military’s ability to counter aerial threats, highlighting the government’s broader strategy to invest in versatile defense technologies.

US Army IFPC — ^{The IFPC Inc 2 is in high demand as it is designed to protect fixed and semi-fixed sites from unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, and rockets, artillery, and mortars. It provides a critical layer of defense for forward operating bases and other critical infrastructure. (Image Credit: U.S. Army/Darrell Ames)}

The separate $670.5 million contract to develop the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and its associated thermal protection system is central to the U.S. Army and Navy’s joint efforts to advance hypersonic weaponry, specifically the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) and Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) programs.

While the U.S. Navy leads the glide body’s design, the Army oversees its production, ensuring seamless integration into each service’s unique operational requirements. Dynetics would play a critical role in this collaboration as part of a Lockheed Martin-led team.

As part of this contract, $65.8 million has been earmarked for fiscal 2024 to support research, development, testing, and evaluation activities. All work will be conducted in Huntsville, Alabama, with an anticipated completion date of October 31, 2029.

The LRHW was originally scheduled for full operational deployment by the end of 2023. However, undisclosed pre-flight check issues in September 2022 delayed progress. Despite this setback, development continues as the military prioritizes overcoming technical hurdles to achieve its strategic objectives.

Parallel advancements are underway in the Navy’s CPS program. Huntington Ingalls Inc. is currently working on integrating the CPS weapon onto the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), the Navy’s stealth destroyer. This integration, expected to be completed by September 2025, is part of the ship’s larger modernization efforts to enhance its combat capabilities.

Together, these contracts represent a significant investment in the United States’ defensive infrastructure. The IFPC Inc 2 system strengthens the Army’s capacity to respond to a diverse array of aerial and ballistic threats, while the C-HGB promises to maintain the U.S. military’s technological edge in the hypersonic domain.

*^{Artist’s rendering of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

These advancements are critical as the U.S. seeks to counter the growing capabilities of adversaries like Russia and China, both of whom are actively developing their own hypersonic weapons and advanced missile systems. By fostering innovation and enhancing military readiness, the Army is ensuring that its forces remain equipped to face emerging challenges in an increasingly complex global security environment.