Hensoldt, Huneed Technologies team for Mode 5
Hensoldt and Korea's Huneed Technologies have signed a cooperation agreement for the localisation of identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) Mode 5 equipment for the Korean armed forces, Hensoldt announced on 28 November.
IFF systems allow ships and aircraft to be identified precisely by automatically sending interrogation signals, which are answered by transponders on board friendly units. This allows field commanders to quickly distinguish friendly from hostile forces. The Mode 5 standard employs encryption techniques to avoid hostile manipulation of the signal.
The Korean armed forces, like all US and NATO allies, is upgrading the IFF equipment of its aircraft, ships and air defence systems from the existing Mode 4 to the new Mode 5 standard. Post 2020 joint missions with US armed forces will be possible only for units with Mode 5-capable equipment.
Huneed has already proven its ability to manufacture and integrate the LTR 400 IFF transponder, which has been adapted to the specific requirements of the South Korean armed forces.
In Korea, Hensoldt has equipped the identification system of the new multirole tanker aircraft with Mode 5-capable encryption devices and has already provided the Korean Air Force and Army’s low altitude radars with its IFF Mode 5 technology in cooperation with local Korean industry.
Thomas Müller, CEO, Hensoldt, said: ‘We are committed to bring the latest-technology capabilities in IFF into the upcoming IFF performance improvement programme of the South Korean armed forces which will improve the distinction between friendly and hostile forces and thus help to avoid friendly fire.
‘I am proud that our companies have already succeeded in the localisation of the first IFF transponder according to the needs of the Korean armed forces.’
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