Indra signs the framework agreement to modernise the Army's anti-aircraft defence systems
Indra has recently signed a framework agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Defence to equip the Army's air defence systems, responsible for responding to any air threat, with state-of-the-art capabilities to identify whether an air platform is friendly or enemy (IFF system), which contributes to reinforce the protection of the air space and increase the security of allied aircrafts, avoiding friendly fire.
The project, awarded to Indra in June in open competition with the sector's main suppliers and which has now been signed, contemplates the implementation of IFF Modos 5/S radar systems that facilitate improved positive identification of its own aircraft.
The IFF is a secondary radar that sends an encrypted interrogation that only those platforms that know the codes can decrypt and respond, thus confirming that it is friendly.
Mode 5, implemented by NATO and allies, replaces the now-defunct Mode 4, which is essential to participate in joint missions.
This mode is more difficult for the adversary to intercept, both because of the form of the signal emitted and because of its encryption, which is carried out by the cryptographic device integrated in the interrogator, in which periodically changing keys are loaded.
In addition to identifying whether the aircraft is a friend or foe, the new mode 5 provides more information about the aircraft than traditional modes, allowing not only precise identification, but also its position, identification number and call sign, among other data, all through selective interrogations that avoid any unnecessary radio emission, favouring a more stealthy and secure operation.
For highly mobile air defence systems, or those that require a rapid deployment and withdrawal capability, Indra will deliver a latest generation IFF model (I50D Interrogator) with a light and compact design.
The company will integrate the new IFFs with the fire director centres of the existing light and medium anti-aircraft artillery operations centres through their respective short- and medium-range radars. It will also refurbish the intelligent terminals associated with the short-range MISTRAL missile launcher posts, also incorporating the new IFFs with the Skydor firing directorates, the medium-range HAWK batteries and their operations centre.
The IFF radar systems are one of the solutions that form part of the air defence ground systems portfolio that Indra has identified as key to its business within the Leading the Future Strategic Plan. Indra has implemented these systems in all types of air, land and naval platforms in armies around the world.
