BAE Systems Secures $30M Navy Upgrade Contract

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.

Creds: FreePik
Creds: FreePik

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

Transponder Upgrade for Air and Maritime Defence Platforms 

The upgrade will serve as a replacement option for 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 ensures ongoing versatility and future utility through software upgrades, without the risk and cost associated with hardware modifications.

Advanced Features for Secure Data Exchange 

The AN/APX-123A(V) CXP will be Mark XIIB IFF certified with Mode S and Mode 5 for secure and encrypted data exchange – meeting latest Department of Defence standards. It will also include additional receive channels for passive acquisition of Mode 5 Level 2 and Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In, enhancing situational awareness for warfighters. It will provide high-performance, multi-function capabilities while supporting the latest crypto requirements.

Statements on Modernisation and Interoperability 

"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."

Longstanding Experience in Combat Identification 

With more than 80 years of IFF experience, BAE Systems has delivered over 1,500 interrogators, 6,000 combined interrogator transponder systems, and 16,000 transponders.

Facility Locations and Delivery Timeline 

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.