Raytheon and Thales to upgrade MoD IFF systems
The two companies are offering the Thales Bluegate products covering the majority of naval and land system Mode 5 Interrogator applications, as well as, Raytheon UK's IFF4810 Mode 5 upgrade solution for most air and naval Mode 5 transponder uses. Raytheon and Thales' IFF Mode 5 subsystems use a common US-sourced KIV-77 Mode 4/5 cryptographic computer, which is more secure, deception resistant and already in service with US armed forces.
The Raytheon Thales Team is uniquely positioned, being the IFF incumbents on more than 97% of the platforms involved in the Mode 5 upgrade. The low risk approach builds on prior Authority and company investment in SIFF and Mode 5 while benefiting from the lessons learnt during the successful delivery of the SIFF capability.
"The Raytheon and Thales collaboration combines our technical knowledge, proven equipment and long collaborative experience with the MoD," said Richard Daniel, Raytheon UK chief executive. "We are set to provide the fastest and most cost efficient solution which will exploit our SIFF installed base and provide proven low risk upgrades to the UK legacy platforms."
"By bringing together best-in-class capability and extensive knowledge of UK platforms from both companies, we will deliver a low risk and cost effective solution to this important UK programme," said Victor Chavez, Thales UK CEO. "Our respective companies have already delivered Mode 5 IFF to a number of NATO forces and this programme gives us the opportunity to extend this critical upgrade to UK platforms to maintain their interoperability in future NATO coalition forces."
Raytheon's established SIFF support infrastructure aided the fleet-wide introduction of Mode S upgrades in recent years, establishing a proven model for delivery of the Mode 5 upgrade.
Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2013, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. Thales UK employs 7,500 staff based at 35 locations. In 2013 Thales UK's revenues were around £1.3 billion.
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.
