Australian SHORAD receives Mode 5 IFF certification
Saab Australia has received US certification for the update to the Australian Army’s short range air-defence (SHORAD) system to the latest Identification friend or foe Mode 5 standard, the company announced on 4 September.
The certification will allow the army’s RBS 70 missile to be safely deployed on operations with US and coalition forces.
The certification process involved co-operation between the Air 90 Project Office, Combat Systems SPO, Saab Australia and Saab Dynamics.
The Mode 5 upgrade provides a more secure way of identifying Australian, US and coalition combat units to avoid the chance of blue-on-blue fratricide incidents.
The three key components of the Australian Army’s SHORAD system supplied by Saab are being upgraded. This includes the RBS 70 missile launcher, Giraffe AMB radar and the Tactical Command and Control System (TaCCS). The TaCCS analyses tracks from the radar, allocates threats to one or more RBS 70s and provides queueing of the RBS 70 to the track.
The Giraffe AMB radar provides 3D surveillance and C3 functionality with early warning against multiple air threats, including incoming rocket, artillery and mortar rounds.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
-
DSEI 2025: Milrem’s Havoc 8×8 robot to undergo live firing trials next year
The Havoc uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) was unveiled at IDEX 2025 in February. It is built around a hybrid electric powertrain which provides silent running over medium distances and silent watch for extended periods of time.
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering kicks off export drive for new Bronco 3
The original Bronco was developed to meet the requirements of the Singapore Army and subsequently built in large numbers and many configurations.
-
DSEI 2025: ST Engineering and ARIS discuss partnership to offer Bronco all-terrain carrier to Italian Army.
On the show floor at DSEI 2025, representatives from ST Engineering and ARIS, and retired Italian general Ivan Caruso outlined the background to the teaming agreement with land warfare expert Christopher F Foss.
-
DSEI 2025: As more possible CV90 orders loom, BAE Systems confident on production rates
The company is investing in increasing production while major subcontractors also push to keep up with demand, with Sweden’s recent Request for Information potentially adding another 500 to the order book.