Leonardo-Finmeccanica has been contracted to supply an identification friend or foe (IFF) system for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).

The company will deliver the SIT-422/5J interrogator for the JGSDF, as part of a deal signed with a Japanese prime contractor.

Japanese radars will use SIT-422/5J to send an ‘interrogation’ signal that verifies if aircraft are allied forces or possible adversaries.

Based on external crypto appliqué technology, the SIT-422/5J interrogator system is compliant with DoD-AIMS 04-900A option B and other international standards.

The system's crypto element provides secure encryption of the IFF signal, and can be removed and stored as needed, Leonardo said in a statement.

The IFF includes a selective identification feature (SIF), as well as Mode C, Mode S, Mode 4 and new Mode 5 technology.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Leonardo recently demonstrated the system's Mode 5 Reverse-IFF capability, which is the most advanced military-only identification mode to modify and address known flaws of the legacy Mode 4 systems.

"Japanese radars will use SIT-422/5J to send an ‘interrogation’ signal that verifies if aircraft are allied forces or possible adversaries."

The Mode 5 trials were carried out by allowing Italian Typhoon jets to conduct air-to-ground IFF scanning.

In a separate development, Leonardo-led Team Skytale has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence as the preferred bidder to upgrade IFF systems on more than 400 operational aircraft, naval vessels and ground-based air defence systems in the UK.

The air, naval and ground-based platforms will be upgraded with new Mode 5 technology by 2020.

Team Skytale also comprises Airbus DS Electronics and Border Security.


Image: Using IFF system radar operators will be able to distinguish between allied forces and potential threats. Photo: courtesy of Leonardo-Finmeccanica.