US and UK Airforce deploying Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) technology for rapid engagement of enemy aircraft, and reduce risk to friendly aircraft.

IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) is the military designation of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) System that is used to identify and track military aircraft. It enables military and civilian air traffic control interrogation systems to identify aircraft, vehicles or forces as friendly and to determine their bearing and range from the interrogator.

Identification Friend or Foe is an identification system designed for command and control. It is particularly important in the age of supersonic aircraft and missiles that make it impossible to rely on visual identification methods; and without such systems modern command and control would almost be impossible. Ensuring the capability in an ever more complex battlespace is crucial.