HARLOW, England, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon UK and Thales UK have successfully conducted over-the-air Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interoperability trials at Raytheon's Matching Green test range. The trials in early December 2012 used Thales' TSA1412 Interrogator and Raytheon UK's IFF4810 Transponder, which is the standard fit SIFF (Successor IFF) product, featuring the Mode 5 enabled upgrade. Being more cryptographically secure than its predecessors, the Mode 5 system counters exploitation and deception while delivering resistance to Electronic Counter Measures (ECM). The Thales and Raytheon equipment were fitted with Raytheon US KIV-77 Mode 5 Cryptocomputers.

Richard Daniel, managing director, Raytheon UK's defence business, commented: "Raytheon has invested in developing the Mode 5 upgrades for existing equipment, and Thales has Mode 5-qualified equipment already in service with French and other NATO armed forces. By teaming, we exploit the complementary strengths of both companies to minimise platform integration risks for Mode 5, and believe we offer the Ministry of Defence the best possible value for money. Together we would seek to ensure maximum continuity of operational availability by applying our already successful front-line support model during the transition to Mode 5."

Victor Chavez, CEO, Thales UK, said: "IFF Mode 5 is an important programme enabling future interoperability for the UK in NATO coalition operations. Both Thales and Raytheon have cutting edge capability in this area and by working together we would provide the UK MOD with a world leading IFF solution." 

The two companies signed a teaming agreement in July 2012 to pursue the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurement of the next generation NATO interoperable Mode 5 IFF system. IFF is an electronic 'question and answer' system fitted to aircraft, ships and missile air defence systems allowing them to discriminate between friendly and hostile forces, and is a fundamental requirement of both NATO and British defence policy.

The team's delivery strategy for Mode 5 builds upon the successful SIFF model where Raytheon delivered the capability within budget and on or ahead of schedule. Raytheon's established SIFF support infrastructure, in service for 8 years, is proven in the upgrade to Mode S and facilitates the upgrade to Mode 5, through the majority of SIFF equipment and platform installations delivered being Mode 5-ready. A low-risk upgrade and minimal platform integration are required to affordably enable '5' functionality.

Both Raytheon and Thales Mode 5 IFF Interrogator and Transponder subsystems use a common US-sourced KIV-77 Mode 4/5 cryptographic computer, manufactured and supplied to the US armed forces by Raytheon's Advanced Communications and Countermeasures (ACC) in Aberdeen, Md. ACC is part of Raytheon's Network Centric Systems business.

The team is targeting full compatibility with NATO and civil international standards. In 2010, the Thales Mode 5 IFF equipment successfully passed US Navy Naval Air Systems Command interoperability tests; in 2012 Thales Mode 5 IFF equipment was successfully certified to AIMS standards.

About Thales and Thales UK

Thales is a global technology leader for the defence & security and the aerospace & transport markets. In 2011 the company generated revenues of £11.4bn (€13bn), with 67,000 employees in 56 countries. With its 22,500 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers and local partners. http://www.thalesgroup.com/

Thales UK employs 7,500 staff based at 35 locations. In 2011 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.4bn. www.thalesgroup.com/uk

About Raytheon UK

Raytheon UK is a subsidiary of Raytheon Company. It is a prime contractor and major supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and has developed strong capabilities in mission systems integration in defence, national security and commercial markets. Raytheon UK also designs, develops and manufactures a range of high-technology electronic systems and software at facilities in Harlow, Glenrothes, Uxbridge, Waddington and Broughton.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2012 sales of $24 billion and 68,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 91 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems; as well as a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at http://www.raytheon.com/ and follow us on Twitter @raytheon.

Notes to Editors

The UK MOD Mode 5 procurement follows the Successor Identification Friend or Foe (SIFF) programme, which saw Raytheon UK competitively selected as prime contractor in December 2000. SIFF equipment is fitted to approximately 40 current in-service MOD military platform types comprising more than 1,000 ships, submarines, aircraft, helicopters and missile systems. SIFF also meets the civil identification capability (Mode S) mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), ensuring access to civilian airspace in Europe. Thales IFF equipment is currently installed on-board 70 types of platforms, including vessels, ground surface radars, rotary wing aircraft and fighters.

Media Contacts

Raytheon UK
1 George Street
Uxbridge, UB8 1QQ

Nick West
01895 816207
internationalpr@raytheon.com

Thales UK
2 Dashwood Lang Road
Addlestone, Surrey KT 15 2NX