The U.S. Air Force has awarded Indra Air Traffic a contract valued at up to $198.36 million to modernize its fleet of Man-Portable Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) systems. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, announced Monday, extends until April 27, 2032, and encompasses the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of the portable navigation technology. These systems are critical for providing precise navigational guidance to both military and civilian aircraft in diverse operational environments, Indra Air Traffic said.

The portable TACAN systems are used in situations where traditional GPS-based navigation may be unreliable, unavailable, or intentionally disrupted. They offer a self-contained and rapidly deployable solution for establishing accurate aircraft positioning and guidance.
Indra’s contract also includes the potential for future upgrades to the systems, ensuring they remain technologically current and capable of meeting evolving operational demands, the company said. It also mentioned that the Air Force’s investment underscores the ongoing importance of robust and resilient tactical navigation capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, the manufacturing of the upgraded TACAN systems will take place at Indra’s facility located in Overland Park, Kansas. This aspect of the contract highlights the company’s established presence and capabilities within the U.S. defense industrial base, the company said.