Companies Will Address Korean IFF Requirement

Leonardo announced on 7 November that it has been selected by leading Korean technology firm LIG Nex1 as a strategic technology partner, with the initial intention that the companies will address the nation’s Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) requirement for airborne IFF systems to be upgraded to Mode 5 standard.

Mode 5, in which Leonardo has demonstrated industry-leading expertise, uses advanced cryptography to secure systems against hostile jamming or deception. With a high profile programme under way to update over 350 British military aircraft IFF systems to Mode 5, Leonardo will leverage this experience in the Korean programme and will also seek to transfer technology for local production of some of the key components.

Last year, Leonardo signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a leading Korean defence contractor to jointly provide avionics and mission systems, initially in relation to targeting systems, for the Republic of Korea and internationally. Prior to this, Leonardo executed an Electronic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS) knowledge transfer programme for the Korean armed forces and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), ensuring that they are prepared for today’s electronics-driven battlespace.