Telephonics P-8A IFF contract expansion strengthens allied maritime aviation
Telephonics, based in Farmingdale, New York, has been awarded a $16,022,537 contract modification to expand production and support of Identification Friend or Foe systems for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, according to a U.S. Navy contract announcement. The Telephonics P-8A IFF contract supports U.S. Navy requirements and Foreign Military Sales customers, including Canada and Germany.
The contract modification, designated P00002, updates a previously awarded firm fixed price cost plus fixed fee contract and adds scope for additional production, delivery, and sustainment activities through April 2028.
Contract scope and system details
Under the modified contract, Telephonics will produce and deliver 29 AN UPX-43(V) Identification Friend or Foe Interrogators for the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. The systems are allocated across U.S. Navy and allied fleets as follows:
- Eight IFF interrogator sets for the U.S. Navy
- Fourteen sets and three spares for the government of Canada
- Three sets and one spare for the government of Germany
In addition to the interrogators, the contract includes the production of 25 P-8A IFF trays, which support installation and integration aboard the aircraft.
The AN UPX-43(V) is a modern IFF interrogator used to identify cooperative air and surface contacts. On the P-8A Poseidon, the system supports maritime surveillance, anti submarine warfare, and coalition operations by enabling secure identification within joint and allied airspace.
Support, sustainment, and firmware updates
Beyond hardware production, the Telephonics P-8A IFF contract also covers a range of sustainment and lifecycle support activities. These include:
- Repair of repairable components
- Ongoing technical support
- Firmware updates for the IFF systems
These elements are critical for maintaining interoperability and system reliability across multinational P-8A fleets. Firmware updates ensure continued compliance with evolving identification standards and coalition operating requirements.
The inclusion of sustainment work reflects the growing emphasis on long term readiness and supportability for U.S. Navy and allied aviation platforms.
Funding and contract structure
The $16 million modification includes funding from both U.S. Navy procurement accounts and Foreign Military Sales customers.
- $4,932,817 is funded by Fiscal Year 2024 Navy aircraft procurement funds
- $11,089,721 is funded by Foreign Military Sales customers
The Navy funded portion will be obligated at the time of award, with funds set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
The contract was awarded on a non competitive basis, consistent with system sustainment and follow on production for existing platforms and suppliers.
Work location and schedule
All work under the contract will be performed in Farmingdale, New York, where Telephonics conducts system development, production, and support activities.
The Navy expects contract performance to be completed by April 2028, aligning with ongoing P-8A fleet modernization and allied force expansion timelines.
Strategic context for P-8A operators
The P-8A Poseidon is a cornerstone of U.S. and allied maritime patrol aviation. Operated by the U.S. Navy, Canada, Germany, and several other partner nations, the aircraft plays a key role in:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Anti submarine warfare
- Surface surveillance
- Coalition and NATO operations
Reliable IFF capability is essential for these missions, particularly during multinational operations where aircraft operate in shared airspace and contested maritime environments.
The Telephonics P-8A IFF contract supports this requirement by ensuring consistent system configuration and sustainment across multiple allied fleets.
Contracting authority
The contracting activity for the award is Naval Air Systems Command, headquartered at Patuxent River, Maryland. NAVAIR manages the development, acquisition, and sustainment of naval aviation platforms and systems, including the P-8A Poseidon.
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