Selex ES has been awarded a contract worth €3m from the NATO Support Agency (NSPA) to supply four SIR-M5-E New Generation Interrogator Friend or Foe (NGIFF) systems for long range platforms.

The NGIFF interrogators will equip four Lockheed Martin FPS -117 air defence radar systems in use with the Italian Air Force.

Selex ES is a world leader in the field of Mode 5 NGIFF interrogators and transponders with a broad portfolio of NATO and international customers and equipment in service on all types of land, naval and avionics platforms.

With a range of more than 450 kilometres, the SIR-M5-E is Selex ES's Mode 5 capable (Level 1 and Level 2) long range NGIFF interrogator. It has been developed and qualified in accordance with NATO (STANAG 419) and US (AIMS 03 -1000A) standards. The new Mode 5 technology allows the SIR-M5-E to clearly recognise each aircraft detected by an air defence radar, even in extremely crowded environments with a mix of friend and foe assets and in highly electronic jamming.

To manage the Mode 5 functions of the SIR- M5-E, the interrogator makes use of Selex ES's Secure Data Unit (SDU) cryptographic module, the first module of this kind certified for use with Mode 5 capabilities developed outside of the USA.