New data link ties Patriot missile into Integrated Battle Command System
The Patriot was used with a new combination of battle command software and data links to successfully engage cruise missile targets. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
A combination of Northrop Grumman's IBCS and a Lockheed Martin data link contributed towards successful Patriot interception of cruise missile surrogate targets.
During two separate tests at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Northrop Grumman's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) was integrated with new networked sensor and effector combinations.
The first live target engagement involved three Raytheon AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars tracking a cruise missile target across the range.
IBCS then engaged this target using the Lockheed Martin Remote Interceptor Guidance (RIG-360) prototype as uplink to a Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missile. This followed internal R&D work at Northrop Grumman’s to integrate RIG-360 with IBCS.
The RIG-360 successfully communicated with the in-flight PAC-3 to test its data link capabilities. RIG-360 enables a 360-degree PAC-3 engagement capability utilising target data from various sensors.
The success of this test removes the dependency of the Patriot radar in IBCS architecture to provide the communication link to and from the interceptor, according to Northrop Grumman.
During the second live test, a ground-launched cruise missile surrogate was detected, tracked, engaged and destroyed using IBCS. Again using a Patriot Interceptor, IBCS created a fire quality track and common operating picture.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Localisation is the aim of the game in defence procurement]()
Localisation is the aim of the game in defence procurement
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
-
![February land forces roundup: ST Engineering and Russia lift the lid on new platforms]()
February land forces roundup: ST Engineering and Russia lift the lid on new platforms
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.
-
![The US military is expanding its efforts to modernise mortar technology]()
The US military is expanding its efforts to modernise mortar technology
A growing push towards increasing mobility and lethality across forces can be seen in recent contracts and modernisation efforts, with advancing mortar technology playing an integral role in modern warfare.
-
![Ireland predicted to make French connection for vehicle buy]()
Ireland predicted to make French connection for vehicle buy
As Ireland looks to replace its RG32M 4x4 armoured patrol vehicles and Piranha III 8x8 armoured personnel carriers, a reported deal with France would rule out other European platforms that were being considered.
-
![US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme]()
US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme
The US Army is seeking a mature 155mm, wheeled, self-propelled capability to replace the towed M777 howitzer in the Stryker, Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as it targets a potential 498-unit acquisition goal.
-
![British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026]()
British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.
