BAE Systems Secures $19M to Upgrade U.S. Navy’s Identification Friend or Foe Systems

BAE Systems has secured a $19 million contract from the U.S. Navy to design and integrate the UPX-24 target data processor capabilities into a single digital interrogator Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system.

The upgrade will streamline data collection and processing, providing enhanced situational awareness for the Navy's maritime fleet.

The updated system will combine the functions of two hardware sets into one, improving performance and decision-making in various threat environments.

BAE Systems’ digital interrogator systems are designed to identify friendly forces, minimizing friendly fire incidents. The system operates by sending an interrogating signal to prompt an IFF transponder response, identifying approaching platforms as friendly. The Navy's UPX-24 system provides target data to the ship's command and control systems, processing inputs to support tactical decisions.

The new multifunction digital interrogator solution is expected to meet size, weight, power, and cost requirements, while allowing for future upgrades.