Lockheed Martin Secures U.S. Army Contract for IFPC 2nd Interceptor

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a significant U.S. Army contract to develop the Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) 2nd Interceptor, a medium-range air defense system designed to fill the gap between short-range defenses and the Patriot missile system. The award, structured as an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement, is a multi-year program extending over the next 15 years, under which Lockheed Martin will oversee development, production, and delivery of the system. The contract also involves collaboration with partners like AeroVironment, leveraging a combination of expertise in missile defense, command and control, and advanced technologies to ensure the system meets the Army's evolving operational needs.

The IFPC 2nd Interceptor is intended to provide robust protection for critical assets such as forward operating bases and fixed installations against a wide range of threats, including subsonic and supersonic cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks. By integrating seamlessly with the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), it ensures coordinated defense across all layers, bridging the capability gap between short-range systems and the Patriot missile batteries. The interceptor is designed to operate from the Multi-Mission Launcher (MML), a mobile platform capable of deploying multiple types of interceptors, including the AIM-9X Sidewinder and Tamir missiles, with future flexibility for directed-energy systems such as high-energy lasers or high-power microwave weapons.

This program not only strengthens the Army’s layered defense architecture but also represents a strategic investment in advanced, adaptable defense technologies. Lockheed Martin’s leadership role in the contract positions the company at the forefront of U.S. air and missile defense modernization, combining mobility, interoperability, and cutting-edge interceptor technology. The development timeline includes technology demonstrations planned in the coming fiscal years, with full-scale production and operational deployment to follow, ensuring that the Army maintains a strategic advantage against emerging aerial threats while enhancing its overall integrated defense posture.