Leonardo has signed a contract worth around €5 million with prime contractor Japan Radio Company to provide Mode 5-capable identification friend/foe (IFF) equipment for the Japan Ground Self Defence Forces (JGSDF).
The IFF systems are being delivered for four JGSDF platforms.
The company said it would provide its IFF Mode 5 M426 LPI Interrogator and SIT2010 Crypto Applique products, ensuring that the JGSDF are ready for the ‘Mode-4 sunset’ in June 2020, when many allied armed forces will be switching over to the new Mode 5 standard.
IFF technology ensures that crews can recognize friendly forces and identify potentially hostile contacts. Mode 5 is the latest and most advanced IFF standard which uses cryptographic techniques to secure the systems against electronic deception by adversaries.
Having already delivered its SIT-422/5J interrogator equipment for the JGSDF, by supplying the Mode-5 M426 LPI interrogator and SIT2010 crypto, Leonardo will provide a complete, digital Mode-5-ready capability.
Leonardo noted it became the first non-US company to provide IFF equipment to the Japan Ground Self Defence Forces in 2016.
