BAE Systems has been awarded a $15 million contract by the US Navy to deliver next-generation digital Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator systems for surface platforms.

According to the company, the “interrogator” will have advanced capabilities, providing time-critical data that reduces incidents of attack by friendly fire and, by extension, supporting the successful outcome of the mission in hostile environments.

BAE Systems’ modernized AN/UPX-50(C) digital system features a common modular design and open architecture structure. Its design allows for the rapid integration of new technologies into the existing module through software updates instead of hardware reconfiguration.

In particular, the system in question will provide high-performance multi-function identification friend or foe (IFF) solutions for air defence weapon systems, air traffic control, and range instrumentation.

It will be also used to process signals from the IFF Mark XIIB transponder, including the Mode 5 and Mode S configurations, providing secure and encrypted data exchange. It also includes a third reception channel for passive data acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In), providing enhanced situational awareness for operators.

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Donna Linke-Klein, director of Tactical Systems at BAE Systems, said the flexibility of their design provides high performance without changes to existing fleet infrastructure, delivering critical user system updates faster. This investment will serve the development of IFF technology for several decades to optimally equip the US Navy on the ever-evolving battlefield, she added.

With more than 80 years of experience in IFF technology, BAE Systems has delivered over 16,000 transponders, 1,500 readers, and 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems for use on new and existing platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, ships, and rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

Work on the upgraded AN/UPX-50(C) Digital IFF Interrogator system will take place at BAE Systems’ facility in Greenlawn, New York.

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