BAE Systems to upgrade IFF transponder under $30M US Navy deal

June 10, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The U.S. Navy has awarded BAE Systems $30 million to refresh the AN/APX-123A(V) common transponder (CXP), which provides time-critical insights that help prevent friendly fire incidents.

The upgrade will serve as a replacement option for the currently installed identification, friend or foe (IFF) transponders on existing and emerging platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles, ships, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters.

As a form, fit, and function replacement, its design will address obsolescence and processing capacity to support future needs.

The open-system architecture design and high-density field-programmable gate array technology ensure ongoing versatility and future utility through software upgrades.

The refreshed CXP will support the U.S. Navy fleet and joint forces for air defense, weapon systems, air traffic control, and range instrumentation.

“Common transponders provide our service men and women with a reliable and secure solution to help them identify friendly forces and make decisions in a variety of threat environments,” said Seth Guanu, Combat Identification Products program area director at BAE Systems.

“The level of speed, security, and accuracy matters to support interoperability across U.S. forces. This modernization effort enables us to deliver a critical capability to thousands of existing applications and equip emerging platforms.”

According to BAE Systems, the AN/APX-123A(V) CXP will be Mark XIIB IFF certified with Mode S and Mode 5 for secure and encrypted data exchange, to meet the latest US Department of Defense standards.

It will also include additional receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast in, to enhance situational awareness for warfighters.

The AN/APX-123A(V) CXP technical refresh work will be performed at BAE Systems’ Greenlawn, New York and Austin, Texas facilities.

Production hardware is expected to be qualified for flight and delivered to users in 2027.