Indra to modernize Spain’s air defense systems with new IFF technology.

On September 26, 2024, Indra signed a framework agreement with the Spanish Ministry of Defence to upgrade the Spanish Army's Ground-Based Air Defence System (GBADS). This contract involves equipping the system with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) technologies with enhanced encryption in Mode 5, which will contribute to Spain's air defense capabilities.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Spanish Army is enhancing the NASAMS system to launch AIM-9X Sidewinder and AMRAAM-ER missiles, with the NASAMS 3 upgrade adding mobile, air-liftable launchers and ensuring interoperability with systems like the Patriot. (Picture source: Spanish Army)

The Spanish Army's GBADS mainly comprises the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System), which Spain has been operating for over 20 years, making it the first international user of this system. Spain has maintained four active NASAMS units since 2003, and is upgrading its capabilities through a €410 million ($444 million) contract with Kongsberg announced in May 2024. The Spanish Army is enhancing the NASAMS system to launch AIM-9X Sidewinder and AMRAAM-ER missiles, with the NASAMS 3 upgrade adding mobile, air-liftable launchers and ensuring interoperability with systems like the Patriot. Spanish NASAMS units are currently deployed in the Baltics as part of NATO's Air Shielding Mission, providing air defense support in Estonia and Latvia in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The IFF system is crucial for Spain's GBADS, functioning as a secondary radar that interrogates aircraft to distinguish friendly forces from potential threats. It sends encrypted signals decoded and responded to only by platforms with the correct codes, ensuring accurate identification and situational awareness. This technology is vital for preventing friendly fire and ensuring coordination during operations.

Indra won the contract following an open bidding process in June that included leading industry suppliers. The agreement entails implementing Mode 5/S IFF radar systems, offering enhanced identification of friendly aircraft. Mode 5, the NATO and allied standard, replaces the outdated Mode 4 and includes advanced security features, making it more resistant to interception. The cryptographic equipment integrated into the interrogator frequently changes codes for added security.

The agreement entails implementing Mode 5/S IFF radar systems, offering enhanced identification of friendly aircraft. Mode 5, the NATO and allied standard, replaces the outdated Mode 4 and includes advanced security features, making it more resistant to interception. (Picture source: Indra)

Mode 5 provides additional data such as the aircraft's position, identification number, and callsign, gathered through selective interrogations that reduce unnecessary radio emissions, allowing for stealthier operations.

For high-mobility ground-based air defense systems needing rapid deployment, Indra will supply the next-generation I50D Interrogator model, designed to be lightweight and compact for various operational environments.

Under the contract, Indra will integrate the new IFF systems into the firing direction centers of existing light and medium-sized anti-aircraft artillery operations centers through their respective short and medium-range radars. Indra will also upgrade the intelligent terminals associated with the MISTRAL short-range missile launching positions and incorporate the new IFF systems into the Skydor firing directions and the medium-range HAWK batteries, including their operations center.

Mode 5 provides additional data such as the aircraft's position, identification number, and callsign, gathered through selective interrogations that reduce unnecessary radio emissions, allowing for stealthier operations. (Picture source: Indra)

IFF radar systems are a crucial element of Indra's air defense ground system portfolio. These systems play a role in Indra's "Leading the Future" strategic plan. With significant experience implementing IFF systems for air, land, and naval platforms for military forces globally, Indra has established itself as a key provider of air defense technology.

Indra Sistemas is a Spanish multinational specializing in defense, air traffic, transport, and space sectors. It is part of the Indra Group, consisting of two main brands: Indra, focusing on defense, air traffic, and space, and Minsait, specializing in digital transformation and information technologies across Spain and Latin America. Recently, Indra signed a $284 million radar system deal with Poland and announced a partnership with Lithuanian Railways to develop a digital signaling interlocking system to improve railway safety and connectivity. The company reported revenues of €4.343 billion in 2023 and operates in over 140 countries, with more than 57,000 employees worldwide.