Poland’s Ministry of National Defence has conducted the first successful European live-fire test of the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), developed by Northrop Grumman, during the “Iron Defender” exercise in Ustka, according to the company.
The exercise saw Poland’s IBCS-enabled WISŁA medium-range air defence system engage and intercept surrogate air-breathing targets, marking the system’s first international operational firing.
Northrop Grumman stated that the test represents a major milestone for both the United States and Poland as they advance joint air and missile defence integration.
Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager for command and control and weapons integration at Northrop Grumman, said in the press release: “This achievement not only highlights the exceptional performance and capabilities of IBCS but also demonstrates Poland’s steadfast commitment to homeland defence and the enhancement of European security. IBCS revolutionises interoperability and integration between Poland, the U.S., and allies across multiple domains, delivering advanced capabilities needed to counter complex threats. Central to this success is the robust partnership between Polish industry and Northrop Grumman.”
Poland was the first U.S. ally to select IBCS, doing so in 2018 as part of its WISŁA medium-range air defence programme. The country declared initial operational capability for two IBCS-enabled batteries in 2024, and according to the company, continues to field one of the largest and most capable integrated air and missile defence forces in the world.
The IBCS serves as the U.S. Army’s command and control programme of record for air and missile defence. It integrates data from multiple sensors and weapons across services and domains to create a unified battlespace picture. Northrop Grumman noted that IBCS is now in production and being fielded in Poland, with further deployments planned across Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
In December 2021, the U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a five-year contract valued at over $1 billion for low-rate and full-rate production of the IBCS system.
