Aircraft Identification Programs

GAO testified on the status of aircraft identification issues to determine: (1) whether U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) armed forces have the identification capability needed to effectively employ air defense weapons; (2) the effectiveness of the joint office established in 1980 to address identification problems; and (3) where problems exist, what could or should be done in both the short- and long-term. GAO found that the ability to identify aircraft at beyond-visual ranges is a critical requirement if current defense strategies are to be successful. Presently, the only secure identification system available is the MARK XII Cooperative Question-and-Answer System, which has limitations and has not been totally accepted by NATO. After years of negotiations, a tentative agreement was reached between the United States and NATO on the frequency to be used on a new NATO system called MARK XV. The Combat Identification System Program Office at the Department of Defense is to develop an improved identification capability for all applicable weapon systems with worldwide capabilities. However, efforts to coordinate developments have been limited among the services and with NATO allies. GAO believes that correcting the current imbalance between weapon system effectiveness and identification capability would improve U.S. and NATO air defense capabilities.