IFF Mk-12(S), the latest version of the warning system, can be fitted on any platform, including aircraft, ships, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and also on missiles, DRDO Director General and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister V K Saraswat told reporters after a function.
IFF Mk-12(S) is a spin-off to the AEW&C programme and contains an integrator, transponder and combined interrogator and transponder to meet the needs of tri-services, he said.
"Since Indian IFF is a requirement for AEW&C, it is also a requirement of the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas. So once the product is available (in large numbers) it will find a place in all DRDO developed aircraft platforms, including LCA, ALH and so on," he said.
Moreover, all existing fighter aircraft in operation, having an older version of IFF Mk-10, have been mandated to upgrade to MK-12, Saraswat said. "Hence DRDO is expecting a large order from the Indian Air Force," he added.
Centre for Airborne Systems Director S Christopher said CABS has adapted the design conforming to the international standard ICAO/STANAG 4193 for its IFF. "AEW&C sub-systems are in advanced stage of development. It is undergoing the test and integration phase at the STIR facility of CABS here," he said.
IFF Mk-12(S) system comprises three elements - interrogator, transponder and combined interrogator transponder. Each system is designed with suitable antenna that includes different configurations of E-scan as well as M-scan with Mode S level 2 capability.
