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Army Moves Lockheed Martin and Boeing-Anduril Team to Phase 2 of Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 Interceptor Competition
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Selection Advances for IFPC Increment 2 Second Interceptor
The U.S. Army announced that Lockheed Martin and a joint Boeing-Anduril team have been chosen to proceed to the demonstration phase of the Integrated Fires Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 “Second Interceptor” program. The decision eliminates a U.S. subsidiary of Israel’s Rafael from the competition.
Program Background and Need
IFPC Increment 2 is intended to fill the capability gap between short-range point-defense systems and longer-range platforms such as Patriot and THAAD. The original IFPC effort, launched in 2021, pairs the Enduring Shield launcher—built by Dynetics, a Leidos subsidiary—with the AIM-9X Sidewinder interceptor supplied by RTX. Service officials found the Sidewinder insufficient against lower-flying, supersonic cruise missiles, prompting the “Second Interceptor” effort in 2023 to develop a longer-range, more capable missile for base and troop protection.
Key Industry Teams
- Lockheed Martin – Received an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for Phase 1 of the program in October 2025.
- Boeing-Anduril Team – Boeing’s interceptor incorporates seeker technology, a compact airframe, and a solid rocket motor supplied by Anduril Rocket Motor Systems. The design uses a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) to enable rapid, low-cost upgrades.
Official Statements
The Army spokesperson emphasized that the selected teams will move into detailed design, system development, integration, and a competitive capability demonstration to validate performance against Army requirements. Boeing’s press release highlighted the down-select as a step toward delivering an affordable, high-performance mid-range interceptor that can increase magazine depth for base defense.
Implications and Next Steps
Advancing to Phase 2 gives the two teams resources to refine their designs and demonstrate compliance with Army specifications. The competition’s outcome will determine the next-generation interceptor that bridges the current short- and long-range air-defense layers, enhancing protection against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial systems, and other emerging aerial threats.