Northrop Grumman IBCS Eyes Europe, Potential Integration with Diehl IRIS-T SLM
US-based Northrop Grumman and Germany-based Diehl Defence have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a feasibility assessment of the integration of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence systems (GBAD) with Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). As a result of this agreement, both parties have reached a collaboration to investigate potential shared uses for the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence system and IBCS in Germany and other European nations that may be interested.
An example of a programme of record for the United States Army is IBCS, which integrates various sensors and effectors into a single command and control system to create a genuinely integrated network and facilitate the exchange of fire control data among all accessible assets in the battlespace.
In addition, it can offer command and control capabilities for various tiers of command. It is slated for global implementation in Patriot air defence systems. The potential integration of IBCS with Diehl Defence’s GBAD systems would allow European users to use supplementary GBAD systems. The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) would also benefit from integration with IBCS, as it would enhance interoperability between the capabilities of numerous nations.
In addition to Latvia, Estonia, and Slovenia, Germany has ordered IRIS-T SLM systems.
As an important defence partner and a close ally of NATO, Germany could evaluate the feasibility of incorporating IBCS into its air and missile defence systems to protect itself better. The United Kingdom might consider IBCS to strengthen its interoperability and integration. Poland has recently ordered the IBCS system.
