Poland’s Ministry of National Defence declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the first IBCS-enabled battery of Poland’s WISŁA medium-range air defence programme.
In 2018, the Polish government chose Northrop Grumman’s IBCS as the central component of its WISŁA medium-range air defence modernization initiative, making Poland the first US ally to obtain this system. Last year, Poland announced the achievement of Basic Operational Capability.
In February, the governments of the United States and Poland formalized a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), designating IBCS as the primary battle management command and control system for Poland’s NAREW short-range air defence initiative, in addition to the second phase of the WISŁA medium-range air defence programme.
Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager, global battle management and readiness, Northrop Grumman: “Poland’s declaration of initial operational capability for IBCS proves the system’s readiness and groundbreaking capability to help warfighters defeat the complex threats of today and tomorrow. IBCS is seeing an increased demand from allies and partner nations worldwide looking to modernize their air and missile defense systems in our contested environment.”
Northrop Grumman stated that the implementation of the IBCS positions Poland to establish one of the largest and most advanced air and missile defence forces globally and that the system will facilitate the integration of air and missile defence operations between US and Polish military forces during joint missions.
Before the LOA was signed in February, Northrop Grumman and the Polish Ministry of National Defence established an offset agreement aimed at bolstering Poland’s defence capabilities through the transfer of Northrop Grumman technology. This initiative will enable the Polish industry to manufacture, integrate, and test critical defence technologies associated with the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
The offset agreements are designed to enhance the capabilities of Polish industry and promote sovereign production and maintenance for the NAREW and WISŁA systems, thereby generating high-technology employment opportunities in various sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics, and maintenance support.
Poland is collaborating with the US government to facilitate the delivery of IBCS equipment racks and software, which will be installed in operations centres that are designed, manufactured, and delivered in cooperation with Polish industry. This delivery strategy is adaptable and allows for substantial industrial involvement, ensuring it meets Poland’s specific air defence requirements.
