Army wants smaller, more agile design for IBCS architecture

By Dan Schere / October 1, 2025 at 2:37 PM

The Army wants to refine the architecture of the Integrated Battle Command System to a "smaller and more agile" design, according to a new call for solutions released today.

IBCS, a hallmark piece of the service’s integrated air and missile defense modernization efforts, includes an engagement operations center, integrated fire-control network and integration kits. 

In its fiscal year 2026 unfunded priorities wish list, the Army included $118 million for IBCS software development and integration.

The current IBCS system architecture “must evolve to leverage new technologies to enhance survivability, adaptability and supportability on the future battlefield,” the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles & Space wrote in Wednesday’s notice.

To make the system more survivable, the Army says, “a smaller and more agile design” is needed, because the current system’s “hardware footprint is characterized by medium tentage with supporting light and medium tactical vehicles and a towed power supply.” This construct limits maneuverability and mobility, according to the service.

IBCS also must evolve to “remain survivable and resilient” against detection capabilities of adversaries, the notice states. Additionally, the design and technology baseline must “be restructured” to accommodate future modernization requirements and rapid technology insertions, according to the Army.

PEO Missiles & Space is seeking solutions for IBCS architecture that have:

  • Reduced signature and exposure
  • The ability to support mission capability in contested environments
  • Reduction of emplacement time
  • Modular open systems approach to enable rapid technology insertion
  • Ability to quickly integrate new capabilities such as sensors and effectors
  • Incremental scaling of capability
  • Incorporation of AI and Machine Learning to reduce operator workload 

The Army plans to award at least one other transaction for prototype project, according to the notice. Responses to the notice are due Dec. 9.

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