As part of its expansion strategy in the aerospace and defense sector, Indra Air Traffic Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Spanish company Indra, has been awarded a contract to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) portable air navigation systems (MP-TACAN), with a projected investment of US$198.36 million through 2032.
This agreement is part of the USAF’s efforts to upgrade its tactical navigation systems, following the initial acquisition of MP-TACAN units in 2021. The strategic importance of these systems lies in their ability to operate in GPS-denied environments and their flexibility for rapid deployment and expeditionary operations.
On this matter, Bill Colligan, CEO of Indra Air Traffic Inc., stated: “We work daily to develop efficient solutions that ensure maximum safety and operability in complex environments. It is an honor that the United States Air Force places its trust in Indra’s systems to support its missions around the world. Our commitment to this contract will be reflected in the successful delivery of the MP-TACAN systems.”
The TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) system provides precise navigation (azimuth and distance) without relying on GPS, which is vulnerable to interference in conflict scenarios involving adversaries such as Russia or China. Its operational capabilities include portability—allowing it to be transported and operated by a small team—and rapid deployment, enabling use on improvised airstrips, aircraft carriers, remote islands, or advanced combat zones.
On April 28, 2025, Indra received a new contract award worth nearly US$2 million for the design, engineering, commissioning, maintenance, and potential future upgrades of these systems. Manufacturing and assembly will take place at Indra Air Traffic Inc.’s Center of Excellence in Overland Park, Kansas, which specializes in air navigation aid systems.
Javier Ruano, Director of ATM Development in the U.S. for Indra, stated: “This contract, along with the one secured last year to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ground-to-air communication system, represents a success for our company in the U.S. and strengthens our commitment to this market, to which we bring innovative solutions tailored to its needs.”
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