Poland to acquire IBCS for Wisla and Narew air-defence systems

Poland signs an agreement for IBCS air and missile defence C2 capability for phase two of the Wisła programme and the Narew short-range air-defence system. Pictured is the interior of the IBCS Engagement Operations Centre, which Poland will receive under phase two of Wisła. (Northrop Grumman)

Poland has signed a USD2.53 billion agreement with the US government for the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).

Spanning from 2024 to 2031, the impending contract will involve integrating the IBCS with Poland's Narew and Wisła air and missile defence systems, the Polish Armaments Agency announced on 29 February.

Northrop Grumman spokesperson Jarrod Krull told Janes on 29 February that the company expects to receive Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract from the US government in the coming months to further deliver the IBCS to Poland.

The contract, according to the Polish Armaments Agency, encompasses the provision of passive identification friend-or-foe (IFF) systems, cryptographic devices, and assistance in integrating Wisła and Narew radar systems into the IBCS. It also includes the delivery of specific communication equipment tailored for the Wisła and Narew systems, establishing laboratory infrastructure, conducting post-integration field tests to ensure the interoperability of all Narew and Wisła system components, and providing logistical and technical support and spare parts.

The procurement is part of the second phase of the Wisła programme, the authority added.

The IBCS is an integrated air and missile defence command-and-control (C2) capability that integrates sensory data and cues relevant weapon systems to respond to short, medium, and intermediate range ballistic missiles.