Northrop builds command centers for Poland's air, missile defense system

Jan. 15 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman began outfitting six portable buildings to be used as command posts for Poland's air and missile defense program, it announced.

The company took delivery of shelters at its Huntsville, Ala., facility that will be fitted with equipment making them engagement operations centers for the Integrated Battle Command System designed by the U.S. Army.

Poland is the first country to acquire the system, which will support its WISLA air and missile defense program.

"Receiving these shelters and kicking off production marks a critical milestone on the WISLA program and gets us one step closer to fielding this capability in Poland," said Kenn Todorov of Northrop Grumman in a statement on Thursday.

"Our Huntsville Manufacturing Center production line is ready and equipped to deliver these command centers on time and on budget," Todorov said.

IBCS is an element of the U.S. Army's modernization strategy for air and missile defense systems, using multiple sensors and effectors to extend battlespace, engage threats while providing surrounding protection and increase survivability through early detection.

Poland became the first international partner country to acquire the capability in a 2018 agreement, and use of the IBCS is part of Poland's assurance of interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.

An enhanced defense cooperation agreement between Poland and the United States, calling for establishment of about 5,500 U.S. troops on Polish soil, was signed in November.

A forward deployment of the U.S. Army's V Corps to Poznan, Poland, also began in November.