General Dynamics To Provide Next-Gen Crytographic Module to US Air Force

General Dynamics will supply an updated Air Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Mode 4/5 KIV-78 Combined Interrogator or Transponder Applique to the US Air Force.

The deliveries will start from February 2017, the company announced Tuesday.

The KIV-78 enables ships, ground forces and other aircraft to precisely identify friendly aircraft operating in a crowded tactical airspace.

The National Security Agency certified the refreshed KIV-78 in March 2016. It reduces power consumption and supports platform functions, such as maintaining flight data from take-off to landing. This updated module provides full encryption of friend or foe inquiries and replies, enabling aircraft to transmit their identity securely and allowing pilots to quickly identify possible threats beyond visible range.

The KIV-78 product is part of General Dynamics' IFF cryptographic product family, a broad offering of embeddable cryptographic technologies that address the need for secure, wireless communications solutions. These products' advanced information assurance and high-speed processing means faster data transfer and reduced potential for IFF data exploitation by adversaries.

The Air Force initially awarded General Dynamics an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for the Identification Friend or Foe cryptographic modules in 2010.

The contract ceiling was increased by $20 million for the updated modules.