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
-
![Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges]()
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
![AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality]()
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
