US Air Force Awards Indra $198 Million Contract to Modernize MP TACAN Navigation Systems
The design, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly process of these systems will take place in Overland Park, Kansas.
The United States Air Force (USAF) has awarded a contract to Indra Air Traffic Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Spanish technology group Indra, to modernize its Man-Portable Tactical Air Navigation (MP TACAN) systems. The agreement includes design, development, production, and technical support through 2032, with a contract ceiling of $198.36 million.
MP TACAN is a portable version of the Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system, which provides azimuth and distance information to military aircraft—even in hostile or degraded environments where GNSS signals like GPS may be jammed, spoofed, or unavailable. This capability is critical for expeditionary operations, rapid deployments, and missions in infrastructure-deficient or disaster-struck regions.
Designed to be carried by two people, MP TACAN systems offer flexibility and operational autonomy for modern warfighters. Their reliability and accuracy make them a key asset for maintaining air superiority in increasingly contested environments, where threats to satellite-based navigation are growing.
Production and assembly will take place at Indra Air Traffic Inc.’s center of excellence in Overland Park, Kansas, certified as “Made in Kansas” by the state’s Department of Commerce—in alignment with federal policies to bolster the U.S. industrial base.
“It's an honor that the U.S. Air Force trusts our technology to enhance its ability to operate in extreme conditions without relying on satellites,” said Bill Colligan, CEO of Indra in the U.S. “This contract reflects Indra’s commitment to innovation and operational security in the air domain.”
Javier Ruano, Director of ATM Development in the U.S., noted that this deal follows last year’s FAA contract for the modernization of ground-to-air communications systems, further solidifying Indra’s position as a key provider to both military and civilian customers in the United States.
The award highlights the Department of Defense’s growing emphasis on resilient navigation capabilities, especially amid concerns over electronic warfare, anti-access/area-denial technologies, and cyber threats. In this context, non-GPS-dependent systems like TACAN are a vital part of the U.S. military’s “Assured PNT” (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) strategy.
With this contract, Indra strengthens its role as a significant player in the U.S. defense ecosystem, delivering cutting-edge technologies designed for high-demand operational environments and tailored to the needs of 21st-century warfare.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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