Deployment of U.S. New Air Defense System IFPC to U.S. Forces Korea (Photo courtesy of DVIDS)
SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — The U.S. military has deployed its new Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system to South Korea, marking the first time the advanced air defense platform has been stationed at an overseas base.
According to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George visited the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Osan Air Base on September 22, where photos captured the distinctive yellow missile launchers of the IFPC system.
Designed as a mobile, ground-based weapon platform, the IFPC defends military installations against a wide array of aerial threats, including subsonic cruise missiles, drones, rockets, artillery, and mortars. Its 360-degree radar detection and intercept capability has led observers to call it the “American Iron Dome,” referencing Israel’s missile shield.
The system’s deployment to South Korea comes amid heightened drone activity by both China and North Korea. Analysts said the move reflects Washington’s intent to bolster its layered defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IFPC joins a growing array of U.S. military assets rotating into the peninsula. In July, MQ-9A Reaper drones were stationed at Gwangju Air Base, while earlier this year the Army’s new Athena-R reconnaissance aircraft was deployed. F-35 stealth fighters have also participated in regional training exercises.
During his visit, George also toured Camp Casey in Dongducheon and Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, where he received a briefing on the Athena-R platform and met with South Korean Army Chief of Staff Gen. Kim Kyu-ha.
DVIDS described George’s trip as a reaffirmation of U.S. commitment to allied defense, noting that it “underscored the enduring dedication of the U.S. Army’s senior leadership to strengthening combined readiness and allied capabilities.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
