Northrop Grumman opens Alabama facility to support Army air and missile defense

Northrop Grumman has opened a new production facility in Madison, AL to support the Army's air and missile defense modernization efforts, the company announced today.

The facility, known as the “Enhanced Production and Integration Center,” will manage “component integration” for the Integrated Battle Command System, according to a press release.

IBCS is the centerpiece of the Army’s air and missile defense modernization efforts. The system is meant to merge multiple sensors and effectors to allow warfighters the ability to better track and neutralize threats.

The system is made up of the Integrated Collaborative Environment, which is a modular shelter used for mission command, the Engagement Operation Center, which is an integrated fire control center, and Integrated Fire Control Network Relay, which provides the “interface for the adapted sensors and weapons” while also relaying communications across the battlespace.

The new facility will allow production capacity for the IBCS command and control system to up to 96 Engagement Operation Centers, 96 Integrated Collaborative Environments and 192 Integrated Fire Control Network relays each year, according to Northrop Grumman.