Leidos Begins Mass Production of IFPC Inc 2 Launchers to Strengthen US Army Air Defense

Leidos has officially kicked off mass production of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) launchers, a next-generation ground-based weapon system tailored for the US Army. This development marks a major step in strengthening America’s air and missile defense by filling the gap between short-range and strategic air defense systems.

The IFPC Inc 2 launchers will be integrated into the Army’s advanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense (AIAMD) network. This plug-and-play compatibility means the launchers can seamlessly operate with other parts of the system, making the overall network more flexible and responsive to threats.

Leidos' production push follows a massive $4.1 billion indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract awarded by the Army's Missiles & Space Program Executive Office. The agreement ensures a long-term supply of these systems along with essential support services. Initially, the production will begin at a low rate to smooth the process before ramping up to full-scale manufacturing. Under the current deal, at least 18 launchers are slated for production, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2029.

Larry Barisciano, who leads land systems at Leidos, emphasized the importance of this milestone. He said that the production order demonstrates the growing demand for the system’s capabilities and underlined Leidos’ commitment to protecting soldiers and vital infrastructure with swift, scalable, and precise solutions.

The IFPC Inc 2 launcher is specifically built to counter emerging aerial threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles. Its design includes an open architecture, enabling it to currently use the AIM-9X interceptor missile while also allowing room for the integration of new types of missiles in the future. This flexibility ensures that the system remains relevant as new technologies and threats emerge.

Importantly, the launchers are expected to play a critical role in the US Indo-Pacific Command’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative, which aims to bolster military preparedness and deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. As tensions continue to evolve in that strategic area, the deployment of IFPC Inc 2 systems is seen as a timely reinforcement of US defense posture.

In short, Leidos' move into mass production signals a big leap forward in modernizing the US Army’s air defense systems, with the IFPC Inc 2 set to become a key shield against future aerial threats.