US to Proceed with Friend or Foe Technology Deal

Tel Instrument Electronics has announced plans to proceed with its friend or foe detection technology contract with the US Army after a protest submitted by Aeroflex was withdrawn.

Aeroflex, an unsuccessful bidder in the army solicitation, filed a civil lawsuit against Tel alleging appropriation of proprietary Aeroflex information. The company has since lifted its protest following a US Army response to the allegations.

Tel instruments have been awarded the contract to deliver the TS-4530 IFF test-set technologies, which are designed to provide the army with the ability to identify friendly aircraft, vehicles or forces.

Tel president Jeff O'Hara said that the Aeroflex withdrawal represents a key development for the company.

"This army contract validates the significant investment that Tel has made in mode 5 IFF technology over the last five years," O'Hara said.

Tel has also received its first delivery order on this IDIQ contract from the army in the amount of $5.1m.