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1 1 (June 27, 2024)

handle is hein.crs/govepmx0001 and id is 1 raw text is: CngrsinlRsac'evc Updated June 27, 2024 The U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) System Background Protecting high-value military sites against enemy cruise missile (CM), unmanned aerial system (UAS), and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks has long been an important consideration in protecting military forces. According to the U.S. Army, the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) System is a mobile, ground-based weapon system designed to defeat cruise missiles (CM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and rocket, artillery, and mortars (RAM). IFPC is to consist of a launcher and interceptors and is intended to protect critical fixed- or semi-fixed assets, and bridge the gap between short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems, the Patriot air and missile defense system, and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. Origins of the IFPC Program The Army initiated the IFPC program, known as IFPC Increment 1, in 2004. Concerned with the pace and direction of the Army's counter RAM (C-RAM) development, some in Congress expressed an interest in acquiring Israel's Iron Dome C-RAM system as an interim solution. In both the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (P.L. 115-232) and the FY2019 Department of Defense Appropriations Act (P.L. 115-245), Congress directed the Army to deploy four batteries-two in 2020 and two in 2023-of a medium-range air defense system to counter cruise missiles and other threats. In response to this mandate, the Army selected Iron Dome as providing the best value to the Army based on its schedule, cost per kill, magazine depth, and capability against specified threats. Because of difficulties integrating the first two Iron Dome batteries into existing and planned Army air and missile defense command and control architecture, the FY2021 NDAA (P.L. 116-283) waived the requirement for the final two Iron Dome batteries. The decision not to adopt Iron Dome reportedly served as the basis for the Army initiating the IFPC Increment 2 program. IFPC Increment 2 On September 24, 2021, the Army announced the award of a three-year prototype Other Transaction Authority Agreement (OTA) to Dynetics (a subsidiary of Leidos) for the development and delivery of 16 launcher prototypes, 60 interceptors, and associated all-up-round magazines for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (Figure 1). The OTA was valued at approximately $237.38 million over two and a half years. Plans called for prototype development in Huntsville, AL, and Tucson, AZ, with deliveries to support testing beginning in the fourth quarter ofFY2022. The first IFPC Increment 2 combat-capable battery was to be available to the Army in the fourth quarter of FY2023. The Army planned to make a Milestone C Decision (decision to transition to procurement) in the second quarter of FY2024 and field the first IFPC Increment 2 battalion by FY2026. Figure I. IFPC Increment 2 Prototvne Source: IFPC Increment 2 Prototype: https://asc.army.mil/web/ portfolio-item/ms-ifpc_inc_2-il. Other IFPC Variants The Army is presently developing three IFPC variants, the Increment 2 Interceptor variant, the High Energy Laser (HEL) variant (Figure 2), and the High-Power Microwave (HPM) variant (Figure 3). Each variant is in a different stage of development, and variants are intended to operate in a complementary manner. IFPC Increment 2 Interceptor Variant The interceptor variant is to utilize an open architecture design to enable future missile integration. Reportedly, Increment 2 can employ the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile and the AGM-114L Longbow variant of the Hellfire missile. The Army is also testing the Israeli Tamir missile used by Israel's Iron Dome system. November 2023 IFPC Program Delay Reportedly, the IFPC Increment 2 program is facing a delay of at least eight months and possibly a year attributed to aggressive activity to support fielding in Guam by 2027. Based on new plans, Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E), originally planned for FY2025, will now begin in FY2026. Despite the delay, the Army reportedly intends to meet its 2027 Guam fielding goal. A New Increment 2 Interceptor Variant Reportedly, the Army is considering developing a second interceptor for IFPC Increment 2, with one official noting, It is now clearer that the service needs a second interceptor )orts.conqress.Qo 0

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