BAE Systems awarded U.S. Navy contract for IFF AN/APX-123A(V) Common Transponder

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems US$30 million to refresh the AN/APX-123A(V) Common Transponder (CXP), which helps prevent friendly fire incidents. The refreshed CXP will support the U.S. Navy fleet and joint forces for air defense, weapon systems, air traffic control, and range instrumentation.

The upgrade will serve as a replacement option for currently installed Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders on existing and emerging platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters. As a form, fit, and function replacement, its design will address obsolescence and processing capacity.

"Common transponders provide our service men and women with a reliable and secure solution to help them identify friendly forces and make decisions in a variety of threat environments," said Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products program area director at BAE Systems. "The level of speed, security, and accuracy matters to support interoperability across U.S. forces. This modernization effort enables us to deliver a critical capability to thousands of existing applications and equip emerging platforms."

The AN/APX-123A(V) CXP will be Mark XIIB IFF certified with Mode S and Mode 5 for secure and encrypted data exchange, meeting the latest Department of Defense standards. It will also include additional receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In.

(article source: BAE Systems / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)