Indirect Fire Protection Family Of Systems

The Indirect Fire Protection Family of Systems is a critical initiative within the Army's broader efforts to enhance force protection and combat indirect fire threats. This program aims to provide early warning of indirect fire threats to all maneuver brigade combat teams (BCT) through the deployment of the Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (RAM) Warn system. By leveraging existing radars and communication devices, the program seeks to enable BCT personnel in hazard areas to seek cover or assume a prone position prior to impact, thereby reducing casualties. Additionally, the program includes the integration of the Huntsman Secure Network Radio (HSNR) and the provision of counter-RAM capabilities through the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) to protect high-value ground assets from incoming munitions and unmanned aerial systems. Furthermore, the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) effort addresses the evolving threat posed by small unmanned aircraft systems, aiming to comprehensively detect, track, identify, and defeat enemy Groups 1 and 2 commercial off-the-shelf UASs with kinetic/non-kinetic means.

The primary objective of Program 0173BZ0501 is to enhance force protection and mitigate the impact of indirect fire threats on maneuver brigade combat teams (BCT) through early warning systems and counter-measures. The program seeks to achieve this by leveraging existing Air Defense Airspace Management (ADAM) Cell and radars within BCTs, while also integrating advanced communication devices such as the Huntsman Secure Network Radio (HSNR). Additionally, the program aims to provide BCT personnel with timely warning of inbound indirect fire threats, enabling them to take necessary precautions and reduce potential casualties. Furthermore, through the deployment of the Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS), the program aims to protect high-value ground assets from incoming munitions and unmanned aerial systems. The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) effort is also a key component of this program, addressing the evolving threat posed by small unmanned aircraft systems and providing comprehensive detection, tracking, identification, and defeat capabilities for enemy Groups 1 and 2 commercial off-the-shelf UASs within U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) areas of operations.