US company Leidos delivers first Enduring Shield air defense systems to US army.

On December 21, 2023, Leidos, a company specializing in science and technology, announced the delivery of the first Enduring Shield air defense systems. This significant milestone represents a substantial advancement in the U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) program, which is a critical component of the Department of Defense's layered defense strategy.
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Enduring Shield is a mobile ground-based air defense system designed to counter cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft systems. (Picture source: Leidos)

Enduring Shield is a mobile ground-based air defense system designed to counter cruise missiles and unmanned aircraft systems. It contributes to the protection of critical civilian and military infrastructure and bridges the gap between short-range tactical defense and strategic systems. Enduring Shield can seamlessly integrate with the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), as successfully demonstrated in the summer of 2023. All units supplied by Leidos are operational field prototypes, ready for deployment as needed.

Enduring Shield is capable of launching various types of missiles and offers growth potential for future enhancements. The system provides a 360-degree engagement envelope, allowing it to engage multiple targets simultaneously. It can be fully integrated with the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System and incorporates cyber resilience and electronic warfare protections.

Enduring Shield is a mobile ground-based missile weapon system designed to detect, track, engage, and defeat unmanned aircraft systems, cruise missiles, as well as rockets, artillery, and mortars.

Leidos' Dynetics team was chosen as the primary contractor to develop the Enduring Shield air defense system under the Army's IFPC Inc 2 program in September 2021. While the initial delivery date for the launchers was scheduled for March 2023, supply chain challenges and technical issues led to a delay. However, close collaboration between Leidos and the Army enabled them to overcome these challenges.

The Army's developmental testing program for the prototype launchers is set to commence in 2024, marking the next phase in the Department of Defense's layered defense strategy. Leidos is already preparing for the next order of launchers, expected in 2025 at its Chase facility.