Diehl Defence and Northrop Grumman have signed an agreement to explore integrating Diehl’s IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense systems (GBAD) with Northrop’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
The study will explore the common applications between the two systems, with initial results expected by the end of the year or the beginning of next year, according to Hartpunkt.
If successful, Germany and other European countries could procure the integrated system.
Integrated Battle Command System
The IBCS’ open and scalable architecture allows the integration of multi-domain sensors and effectors, enabling faster target engagement.
It is due to be integrated with Patriot air and missile defense systems around the world, according to Diehl Defence.
“The possible integration of IBCS with GBAD systems from Diehl Defence would offer European users compatibility with additional GBAD systems,” Diehl stated.
“Integration with IBCS would also support the European Sky Shield Initiative as interoperability between different capabilities from several nations is increased.”
The Integration
A number of European countries are interested in IBCS, including Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and Japan, with Poland having already bought the system for $2.5 billion.
Its integration with IRIS-T would offer the German system’s European users compatibility with other ground-based air defense systems, according to Hartpunkt.
It would also support the German-led 17-nation multi-layered European Sky Shield Initiative Initiative by improving interoperability between different systems.
“We are excited about this partnership which offers new options to our IRIS-T SLM customers,” Diehl’s senior vice president Torsten Cook said.
“For example, utilizing several GBAD systems such as IRIS-T SLM and Patriot in parallel, improves interoperability and thus increases the combat value of the systems used.”