Boeing Unveils Second Interceptor Design for IFPC Increment 2 Program
Boeing has unveiled its design for the second interceptor missile in the Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 program, which is expected to undergo a downselect decision in August. The company displayed its new design at the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. Boeing's teaming partner, Anduril Industries, will supply the solid rocket motors for the medium-range interceptor missile.
The competition includes three teams: Boeing with Anduril, Lockheed Martin teamed with AeroVironment, and RAFAEL Defense Systems teamed with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. Leidos is currently the supplier of the IFPC Inc. 2 interceptor. James Leary, senior director for weapon systems business development at Boeing, said that the company's design uses a modular open systems architecture approach to quickly adapt to changing threats.
Military leaders emphasized the importance of using open systems architecture in future interceptor systems. Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, Missile Defense Agency Director, stated during his closing keynote that 'open systems architecting is a requirement, it's not a nice to have in the fight of the future.' He added that the Defense Department needs to be able to adapt at the pace the threat is adapting.