US Army selects Boeing for the next phase of Indirect Fire Protection Capability mid-range interceptor program.

As reported by AirPower 2.0 on March 20, 2025, Boeing has been selected by the U.S. Army to advance to the next phase of the Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Second Interceptor competition, which is focused on developing a medium-range interceptor to enhance the defense of fixed and forward operating bases. The program aims to fill the capability gap between short-range and long-range air defense systems against low-flying, mid-range threats, including cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

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The IFPC Increment 2 is a mobile, ground-based air defense system developed to provide 360-degree protection for fixed and semi-fixed sites by integrating multiple interceptors, sensors, and fire control systems. (Picture source: US Army)

Boeing's proposal incorporates a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to allow rapid technology integration. The company has stated that its design provides increased magazine depth, greater speed to target, extended range, and improved maneuverability. The proposal leverages expertise from multiple missile programs, including the PAC-3 interceptor, Ground-Based Midcourse Defense, Avenger, Harpoon, and SLAM-ER. Boeing has described its bid as featuring a "novel all-up-round solution," but has not disclosed specific technical details due to competition sensitivity.

The Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) program was initiated in 2004 to address the growing threat posed by cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks against critical military infrastructure. The program was designed to provide a mobile, ground-based air defense system capable of bridging the capability gap between short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems and higher-tier missile defense systems such as the Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD). Over time, the IFPC has evolved to incorporate multiple variants, including kinetic interceptors, high-energy lasers, and high-power microwave systems, with the goal of offering a layered and adaptable defense solution for fixed and semi-fixed sites.

The IFPC Increment 2 is a mobile, ground-based air defense system developed to provide 360-degree protection for fixed and semi-fixed sites by integrating multiple interceptors, sensors, and fire control systems. The system consists of a modular launcher capable of firing different types of interceptors, an engagement control unit, and sensors that enable the detection and tracking of incoming threats. It is designed to be interoperable with the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and Sentinel radar, allowing for coordinated engagements with other air and missile defense assets. The program emphasizes a modular open systems approach (MOSA) to facilitate future upgrades and integration of new interceptor variants as threats evolve.

In September 2021, the U.S. Army awarded a contract to Dynetics for 16 prototype launchers and 60 interceptors, valued at approximately $240 million, including associated all-up-round magazines. The Army’s FY2025 budget proposal allocates approximately $660 million to advance the program. Additionally, a contract worth up to $4.1 billion was awarded to Dynetics in November 2024 for low-rate initial production, full-rate production, and support services, initially covering 18 launchers with $204 million allocated in an undefinitized contract order, of which $99 million was obligated upon award.

A January 2025 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report identified three IFPC variants under development: the Increment 2 Interceptor, a High Energy Laser (HEL) variant, and a High-Power Microwave (HPM) variant. These systems are at different stages of development and are expected to operate in a complementary manner. The Army has also been integrating PAC-3 MSE, Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS), and Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) into its broader missile defense strategy while pursuing a second interceptor to enhance engagement capabilities against low-flying supersonic cruise missiles.

Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, the Army’s Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space, has stated that NASAMS does not fully meet the Army’s requirements for magazine depth and countering supersonic cruise missiles. The Army is considering a second interceptor with an AIM-120D-like capability but in a smaller form factor compatible with the IFPC Increment 2 launcher. Development is expected to continue through 2029–2030 before transitioning to production.

The Army has conducted tests demonstrating the IFPC system’s ability to engage cruise missiles and UAS threats. A risk-reduction test involving a Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder interceptor launched from the IFPC launcher confirmed integration with IBCS and Sentinel A3 radar. The new interceptor is required to integrate with the IFPC launcher’s all-up-round magazine, meet cybersecurity standards, feature an engagement calculator linked to IBCS, and incorporate electronic warfare countermeasures.

The Army has explored multiple technologies for the second interceptor, including air-augmented rocket designs, high-energy propellant formulations, and miniaturized missile guidance systems. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Israeli firms have presented potential solutions, such as the Tamir 2 interceptor. The Army's research includes multi-pulse propulsion, seeker enhancements, and networked datalink architectures. The next phase involves advancing selected companies to the prototype development stage in 2025, with full-scale demonstrations scheduled for 2026–2027.

The broader IFPC strategy includes developing laser and microwave-based defense systems. The IFPC HEL variant is expected to feature a 300-kilowatt-class laser mounted on tactical vehicles, while the HPM variant is designed to provide short-range protection against drone swarms. The Army’s FY2025 budget adjustments have affected HEL development, prioritizing kinetic interceptors instead.

The IFPC Increment 2 program is a key element of the Army’s air and missile defense modernization strategy, aimed at enhancing battlefield survivability and protecting critical infrastructure. The Army's approach to developing a second interceptor focuses on improving performance while maintaining adequate magazine depth. A competitive selection process is planned to determine the next stage of IFPC Increment 2 missile development.