BAE Systems Receives National Security Agency Mode 5 Certification.GREENLAWN, N.Y. -- BAE Systems has received National Security Agency (NSA NSA abbr. National Security Agency Noun 1. NSA - the United States cryptologic organization that coordinates and directs highly specialized activities to protect United States information systems and to produce foreign ) Mode 5 certification for three of its identification friend or foe The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please [ improve this article] or discuss the issue on the talk page. (IFF 1. (file format) IFF - Interchange File Format. 2. IFF - Identify friend or foe (radar). 3. (mathematics, logic) iff - if and only if, i.e. necessary and sufficient. ) products. BAE Systems is the first Department of Defense contractor to receive the certification. IFF enables forces to recognize friendly aircraft and surface vessels to avoid inadvertent firing on friendly forces. The technology, in use since World War II, has two main components: interrogators, which ask the questions, and transponders, which provide the responses. The Mode 5 IFF system was developed by NATO NATO: see North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO in full North Atlantic Treaty Organization International military alliance created to defend western Europe against a possible Soviet invasion. as an enhancement to older, less capable IFF systems. The NSA's Information Assurance Directorate certified three BAE Systems IFF systems -- the AN/UPX-41(C) Digital Interrogator, RT-1912(C)/APX Common IFF Digital Transponder, and RT-1918(C)/APX MIDS MIDS Multifunctional Information Distribution System MIDS Matrix Information and Directory Services (USA) MIDS Multifunction Information Distribution System MIDS Municipal Infrastructure Data Standard Compatible Transponder -- for full encryption of Mode 5 interrogations and replies that enable authentication and data confidentiality. Mode 5 employs secure message formats and data transmission that increase identification capability and allow U.S. and coalition forces to operate together while maintaining security and reducing fratricide frat·ri·cide n. 1. The killing of one's brother or sister. 2. One who has killed one's brother or sister. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin . The system permits identification of friendly forces well beyond a pilot's visual range. "Mode 5 certification is a major milestone in IFF development," said Paul Markwardt, BAE Systems vice president and general manager for Identification and Situational Awareness at Greenlawn, N.Y. "It allows BAE Systems to provide an enhanced product to further protect the warfighter." The Mode 5 enhancements include improved algorithms, increased security, and improved key management, interoperability, and supportability. BAE Systems is under contract with the U.S. Navy and Army for low-rate initial production of Mode 5 systems and installation on shipboard and airborne platforms. Deliveries over the next five years could exceed 5,000 units. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is the premier trans-Atlantic defense and aerospace company, delivering a full range of products and services for air, land, and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions, and customer support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services . BAE Systems, with 88,000 employees worldwide, had 2005 sales that exceeded $22 billion, excluding the group's former interest in Airbus. |
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