The Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system has been certified for operation. MEADS became the first U.S. system approved to incorporate a non-U.S. cryptographic device in 2009.

Certification by the U.S. Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System Identification Friend or Foe Mark XII/XIIA System (AIMS) Program Office is a significant accomplishment for the MEADS program. Mode 5 is more secure and provides positive line-of-sight identification of friendly platforms equipped with an IFF transponder to better differentiate between friend and foe.