Northrop Grumman and MBDA have teamed up to strengthen Germany’s air and missile defense.
The collaboration will integrate Northrop’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) with MBDA’s air defense solutions.
IBCS is a modular system that connects sensors and weapons into a unified network, enabling coordinated engagements.
Under the deal, announced at the Berlin Security Conference, the companies will collaborate to integrate their defense technologies through technical exchanges and demonstrations.
“A connected battlespace across Germany and its European allies, supported by advanced command and control technologies like IBCS, is essential for deterring and countering aggression,” stated Kenn Todorov, VP and general manager, command and control and weapons integration at Northrop Grumman.
IBCS is operational in Poland, with further deployment planned across Europe and the Indo-Pacific after reaching full-rate production in 2023.
Thomas Gottschild, MBDA executive group director strategy and managing director at MBDA Deutschland, emphasized that “it is our combined goal to strengthen air defense in Germany and NATO partner nations to enable joint operations.”
IBCS features key components for integrated air and missile defense.
The S-280 Shelter, a mobile transportable unit designed to house military systems, provides the physical space for the Engagement Operations Center, where battle management tasks are carried out.
The setup is supported by the Integrated Collaborative Environment, which provides the workspace, equipment, and technical infrastructure for 12 to 24 operators.
IBCS also features the Integrated Fire Control Network, an unmanned unit with two main functions.
It builds a network that links sensors, weapons, and command centers via radio, fiber, or satellite connections.
It also supports the “plug‑and‑fight” interface, which allows different sensors and weapons to connect to IBCS without significant modifications.
This network moves high‑quality targeting data across all components, enabling operators to execute engagements.
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