Indirect Fire Protection Family Of Systems

The Indirect Fire Protection Family Of Systems (IFPFOS) line item, as detailed in the FY 2026 Army budget request (LI 0173BZ0501), is focused on the procurement and enhancement of capabilities to defend high-value ground assets against indirect fire threats such as rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM), as well as unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The primary objective of this line is to provide and sustain the Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) capability, specifically through the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS), to designated Army air defense artillery battalions.

The C-RAM Enhancements program is the central component of this budget line. Its goal is to deliver LPWS systems to the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) and Avenger Battalions, such as the 5-5 and 2-44 Air Defense Artillery units. The LPWS is a trailer-mounted, high-rate-of-fire 20mm Gatling gun system, guided by integrated radar and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors. The system includes two 60 kW generators, a Local Control Station, and a Remote Control Station, all designed to provide rapid and autonomous response to incoming threats.

For FY 2026, the Army requests funding in Overseas Operations Costs (OOC) to procure three additional LPWS systems in support of enduring operational requirements, specifically for Operation Inherent Resolve. This procurement is justified by the ongoing need to protect deployed forces and critical infrastructure from RAM and UAS attacks, particularly in high-threat environments where such attacks remain a persistent risk.

The LPWS procurement is executed through a contract with Raytheon in Louisville, KY, under a sole-source, firm-fixed-price arrangement managed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The procurement plan anticipates delivery of these systems beginning in June 2027, with the unit price reflecting an assessed annual Navy procurement rate. Coordination with the Navy is essential to maintain cost efficiency; if Navy procurement levels change, unit costs may be affected.

Beyond hardware acquisition, the program also allocates resources for integrated logistics support, program management, and training services. These support elements are critical to ensuring that newly fielded systems are operationally effective, properly maintained, and that personnel are adequately trained for both system operation and sustainment. The logistics and training components are designed to maximize system readiness and lifecycle performance.

The IFPFOS line item is part of a broader Army effort to modernize and enhance tactical surveillance and protection capabilities. By integrating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and government off-the-shelf (GOTS) hardware, the program leverages proven technologies to address evolving threats. The focus on hardware integration and system upgrades ensures that the Army can rapidly adapt to new operational requirements and technological advancements.