UK lines up Thales IFF for future MCM programme
MoD argues that integration of the TSC2002 is critical to ensure commonality, compatibility and interoperability between French and UK systems
The Mine Hunting Capability Team in the UK MoD intends to award a £385,000 ($515,000), 14-month contract to Thales UK for three TSC 2002 IFF systems.
TSC 2002 (pictured) is a Mode 5/Mode S-compliant IFF transponder commonly fitted to aircraft such as the C-130 airlifter or H225M helicopter.
In this instance, however, it will be supplied as government-furnished equipment in the joint UK/French Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MCMM) programme.
‘The integration of the TSC2002 is critical to ensure that the UK [MCMM] system has commonality, compatibility and interoperability with the French system, which is to include an identical type of IFF,’ the MoD noted in an official statement justifying its choice.
‘There is a strict technical impracticality for any other economic operator to undertake the work required within this proposed contract as the specific model of IFF system is proprietary to Thales UK and its parent company TDMS France.’
Both the UK and French MMCM systems have been designed to use identical IFF models, in order to ensure their ability to communicate effectively and function interoperably, and so that the interface between the two systems can be maximised.
‘Failure to provide the TSC2002 model of IFF would impact upon the upcoming production phase of the MMCM systems, which have been designed around the integration and use of this specific IFF system,’ the MoD argued. ‘The integration and use of alternative models of IFF systems would not be possible without significant redesign of the overall system.’
Shephard Defence Insight forecasts a UK requirement for 12 vessels in the MCMM programme, and it expects a contract award by 2025.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?]()
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
