US Army and Poland award $1.4 billion contracts to modernize air and missile defense capabilities

Europe, News, US February 17, 2025 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

U.S. defense manufacturer Northrop Grumman received two major contracts totaling $1.4 billion to modernize air and missile defense capabilities for the U.S. Army and Poland.

Northrop Grumman received a $481 million, five-year contract from the U.S. Army’s Aviation Missile Technology Consortium to enhance software development for the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). This includes $347.6 million dedicated to Poland’s defense initiatives and $133.7 million for the U.S. military and the Guam Defense System.

As part of the agreement, Northrop Grumman will collaborate with experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and model-based systems engineering to expand IBCS software capabilities. The company will also integrate Polish sensors and the United Kingdom’s Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM) system.

According to the Northrop Grumman statement, these contracts reinforce the company’s position as a leader in advanced integrated battle management solutions, driving innovation through artificial intelligence and model-based systems engineering to strengthen global security.

Additionally, under a separate $899.6 million contract, Northrop Grumman will supply IBCS as the unified command and control system for Poland’s WISŁA medium-range and NAREW short-range air defense programs.

Vice president and general manager of global battle management and readiness at Northrop Grumman, Kenn Todorov said, “Northrop Grumman continues to support the U.S. Army’s interoperability vision for a single integrated air picture to modernize air and missile defense through innovative development and deployment of IBCS software and hardware.”

He further highlighted, “Expanding IBCS capabilities will keep the U.S. Army and U.S. allies, such as Poland, ahead of evolving threats and capabilities, giving warfighters more decision time to save lives.”

*^{Polish and American servicemembers inspect the WISŁA relay at Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. (Image Credit: U.S. Army/via Northrop Grumman)}*

Separately on February 14, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the U.S.-Poland Alliance and said, “We see Poland as a model ally on the continent, willing to invest not just in their defense, but in our shared defense and defense of the continent.”

Hegseth also lauded Poland for its investments and contributions toward infrastructure and the logistical support of U.S. troops stationed there. He added that Poland leading by example in the areas of defense spending and military readiness is demonstrative of what is needed throughout the NATO alliance.

Integrated Battle Command System

The Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) is a cutting-edge command and control system, transforming global air and missile defense by unifying sensors and weapons into a cohesive network. Developed for the U.S. Army and allied nations, it enables commanders to make real-time, data-driven decisions.

The system connects and synthesizes data from diverse radar and sensor systems and works seamlessly with U.S. and allied defense systems, improving joint operations. It is modular and scalable and can be used for various mission requirements, from short-range to long-range defense.

Poland is one of the first international partners to operationally integrate IBCS. Poland’s implementation of IBCS strengthens interoperability with U.S. forces, contributing to the development of one of the most advanced air defense systems worldwide.

In 2024, Northrop Grumman provided the U.S. Army with the first complete set of major end items, facilitating the early deployment of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). A series of successful flight tests involving the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), and Integrated Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) showcased IBCS’s ability to integrate next-generation sensors and weapons seamlessly. These achievements reinforce its “ready-now” capability to neutralize evolving threats.