Huntsville-based Dynetics on Monday announced it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Missiles and Space for the Enduring Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) to manufacture its mobile ground-based weapon system.
The defense industry giant says the transportable system is produced to deter and eliminate threats posed by adversarial Cruise Missiles (CM) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
The estimated value of the award is worth approximately $237 million over the duration of two and a half years. According to the announcement, the contract also includes the option for follow-on production of 400 launchers with associated interceptors.
Ronnie Chronister, senior vice president of Weapons Technology and Manufacturing at Dynetics, said the company stands ready to meet the Army’s defense objectives.
“Dynetics looks forward to delivering this next-generation solution to meet the Army’s needs now and in the future,” said Chronister. “We’re ready to tackle this urgent schedule, supporting the safety of our soldiers with this integrated air and missile defense capability.”
Dynetics has been awarded a contract by the @USArmy Program Executive Office Missiles and Space for the Enduring Indirect Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) to produce its mobile ground-based weapon system. >> https://t.co/4H8NHZmQEw pic.twitter.com/7Z4kPKwHoj
— Dynetics (@Dynetics) September 27, 2021
The release states that Enduring Shield was designed and manufactured in the United States and offers an open-system structure which provides both flexibility and growth, as well as full integration with the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS).
The system is capable of simultaneously engaging multiple targets with a 360-degree air defense envelope. Dynetics earlier this summer unveiled its Enduring Shield offering in preparation for the contract.
Dynetics selected the AIM-9X effector and environmentally sealed All-Up Round Magazine (AUR-M) provided by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies business. The AIM-9X features the most advanced IR seeker in use today, providing warfighters a highly effective solution to track and intercept hard to detect, fast-moving cruise missiles.
The missile has previously demonstrated successful integration and engagements with the U.S. Army’s IBCS, supporting the accelerated prototyping phase that the U.S. Army has requested.
Dynetics and Raytheon worked collaboratively to provide the Army a weapon system which meet key requirements while incorporating lessons learned from previous programs. The investments in Enduring Shield enabled the completion of the Phase 1 Shoot-Off in May 2021 and demonstrated missile and IBCS integration.
Huntsville will be home to the work conducted in the manufacturing of components, performance of assembly and system integration. Dynetics says it is set to deliver four units in 2022 and 12 units by the end of 2023.
The award adds to the growing portfolio Leidos-owned Dynetics holds in supporting the federal government in achieving the nation’s space and defense priorities.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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