ID Systems

The ID Sys program, as outlined in Line Item 0582 of the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget, focuses on the ongoing modification and enhancement of aircraft identification systems, specifically through the implementation of the Mark XIIA Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability. The primary objective of this program is to improve secure cooperative combat identification for U.S. and allied aircraft, thereby enhancing situational awareness, reducing the risk of fratricide, and minimizing enemy disruption of IFF functions. This initiative supports both legacy and new production aircraft, ensuring that all platforms remain interoperable with both military and civilian air traffic systems.

Mark XIIA Mode 5 IFF is the central modification under this budget line. Its goal is to upgrade existing digital Mark XII IFF systems, including interrogators and transponders, with Mode 5 capability and associated cryptographic material. The program is governed by DoD and Navy requirements, including AIMS 03-1000A/B, AIMS 17-1000, and ORD 577-06-01, and is designed to meet Joint Requirements Oversight Council mandates for full operational capability. Mode 5 offers significant improvements over previous IFF modes, such as enhanced security, increased data transmission, and reduced susceptibility to interference through the use of a spread spectrum waveform.

The FY 2026 objectives for the ID Sys program include addressing hardware obsolescence to ensure continued equipment availability for future platform installations. This involves updating systems to the latest AIMS 17-1000 standard and incorporating NSA-mandated Mode 5 Crypto Modernization 2 (CM2) requirements via engineering change proposals. These upgrades are necessary to maintain compliance with evolving security standards and to support the operational needs of both U.S. and NATO/Allied forces. The program also seeks to optimize procurement and workforce costs in alignment with recent executive orders focused on government efficiency.

Procurement activities under this line item include recurring and non-recurring purchases of Mode 5 IFF kits (A-kits and B-kits), installation equipment, and support elements such as data, training equipment, support equipment, and integrated logistics support. The program supports a wide range of aircraft models, with installations scheduled through both field installs and vendor depot engineering change proposal installs. The manufacturer for the Mark XIIA Mode 5 IFF equipment is BAE Systems, located in Greenlawn, NY, with production and administrative lead times factored into the procurement schedule.

A significant portion of the FY 2026 funding is allocated to tech refresh units and installation equipment to address component obsolescence and meet new performance standards. The AN/APX-123/123A transponder, which has been in service for over 16 years, requires hardware and software updates to remain supportable for aircraft, surface, and subsurface platforms. These upgrades are essential for maintaining operational readiness and extending the lifecycle of the equipment. Non-recurring costs also support manufacturer and environmental testing, as well as initial platform integration to ensure successful fielding across air and ship platforms.

Support activities are integral to the program, with funding provided for data management, training, support equipment, and other logistics functions. These elements ensure that personnel are adequately trained on the new systems and that necessary equipment is available for ongoing maintenance and operational support. Installation costs are tracked separately, with a detailed schedule for kit installations across affected platforms, reflecting the Navy's commitment to maintaining a modern and capable identification infrastructure.