According to a report on the website of Newsweek on April 8th, Northrop Grumman recently reported successfully testing a defense system that has been dubbed by the military's news agency, the Special Operations Forces Reporting Network, as a "truly game changing system.". The testing of the Integrated Warfare Command System (IBCS) was conducted at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, demonstrating its ability to use sensor data to acquire, track, and intercept long-range cruise missile targets. The US Army will use this system with the aim of integrating sensors that were not originally designed to be used in conjunction with a control system, in order to establish a system between sensors, such as connecting radar and any transmitting device. As a result, warfighters can obtain more data at a faster speed in order to take swift action on the battlefield. The US Department of Defense approved the production of Northrop Grumman's IBCS for the first time last year. Weapons that have been successfully integrated into IBCS for use include Patriot missiles, F-35 fighter jets, and Giraffe search radars. Rebecca Tolzon, Vice President and General Manager of Northrop Grumman, stated that New Mexico recently tested a Patriot missile. The report states, "Integrating LTAMDS (Low Level Air Defense and Anti Missile Sensors) and Patriot systems into IBCS is an important part of achieving integrated air defense and missile defense modernization. IBCS is the cornerstone connecting global battlespaces and can be used to overcome increasingly complex threats." IBCS not only aims to integrate with current military equipment, but its components are said to enable integration with future weapons. When describing the combat capability of IBCS, the Special Operations Forces Reporting Network stated that the system is "not just another technology; it is an evolution of battlefield intelligence that is extremely exciting.". The media also referred to IBCS as the conductor of the symphony of air and missile defense performances, and pointed out that Northrop Grumman has been accelerating progress to deliver this equipment to the Army as soon as possible. The defense system has achieved initial combat capabilities, which means it can be deployed on the battlefield and is planned to be put into use later this year. In another statement released in February this year, Tolzong said, "Providing IBCS equipment for testing and deployment will bring more accurate decision-making and improved on-site perception, and provide security protection for combat personnel." The Special Operations Forces Reporting Network further praised IBCS as "a significant transformation," "a leap from the clumsy way of the past to a smooth, integrated network that is incredibly intelligent and sharp.". It said, "The senior management of Northrop Grumman is not only selling a system, but also selling future ways of warfare." (Xinhua)