The US Air Force has awarded Indra Air Traffic Inc. a significant contract valued at up to $198.36 million for the replacement of military air navigation systems designed to operate in harsh environments. This contract, which emphasizes the crucial role of advanced military technology in navigation, will see the US-based arm of the Spanish defense firm Indra providing comprehensive services, including design, engineering, commissioning, technical maintenance, and potential future upgrades for the man-portable Tactical Air Navigation System (MP TACAN) through 2032.
The MP TACAN system is engineered to be transported by two soldiers, enabling ongoing navigation capabilities during missions where Global Positioning System (GPS) or satellite signals may not be accessible. Its utility extends to improvised airfields, facilitating safe approaches and landings for aircraft, and proving crucial in recovery efforts following natural disasters and unforeseen events.
The manufacturing and development of these systems will take place at Indra’s facilities located in Overland Park, Kansas. Indra’s CEO, Bill Colligan, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We work daily to develop efficient solutions that ensure the highest safety in complex environments. We’re honored by the fact that the US Air Force relies on Indra’s systems to secure its missions around the world.”
This award follows Indra’s recent success in securing the renewal of its ground-to-air communications system contract with the Federal Aviation Administration in 2024. Javier Ruano, the Director of ATM Development in the USA at Indra, remarked that these contracts signify “a major success for our US company,” underscoring a commitment to strengthening their offerings in the American market with innovative solutions tailored to its unique demands.
