Identification, Friend Or Foe (IFF)

Definition - What does Identification, Friend Or Foe (IFF) mean?

Identification, friend or foe (IFF) is a type of identification system used within military and civil information systems for detecting and identifying friendly vehicles, forces and aircrafts. IFF makes it possible to distinguish between friendly, foe and neutral forces by using purpose-built electromagnetic and radio frequency devices to communicate and identify objects in the battlefield or airspace.

Techopedia explains Identification, Friend Or Foe (IFF)

IFF is primarily a combat identification technique used in air defense procedures to identify approaching aircraft. Typically, IFF is implemented through radio wave or electromagnetic devices that broadcast a specific encrypted signal to the aircraft. If the aircraft responds in a manner deemed as friendly, it is identified as a friend; if it responds inappropriately or not at all, it can be distinguished as a foe. Each airplane is installed with an IFF transponder that responds to all incoming IFF interrogation requests and also defines the intent of the airplane. The IFF system uses two different channels; one is for interrogating the aircraft, while the other for receiving the reply.