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U.S. Air Force Targets More Secure Air Space with $30 Million Award to General Dynamics
Remote Rekey Modernization program to update information security capabilities for U.S. air defense systems

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The U.S. Air Force Cryptologic Programs Systems Group has awarded General Dynamics C4 Systems a $30 million, six-year contract to design, develop, install and support the Remote Rekey Modernization (RRK) program. RRK will enable authorized Air Force personnel at centralized facilities to remotely manage cryptographic keys controlling encryption equipment located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska. The total potential value of the contract is $50 million if all options are exercised.

An encryption key contains specific electronic instructions that control how information assurance equipment will secure data, video and images moving through a network. The equipment, enabled by encryption keys, prevents unauthorized users from receiving or accessing sensitive information.

As part of the security services needed for the U.S. Air Force Air Defense Mission, RRK technology will update information security for the Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) and other systems that help to secure the air space over the United States. The design and development phase for the RRK system will last three years, with implementation scheduled for Air Force Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Air Defense Systems in 2013.

“Once in place, the RRK technologies will enable those watching our nation’s air space to more quickly respond to operational changes anywhere in the system, any time,” said John Cole, vice president of information assurance for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “To optimize and streamline the design and development phase, we’re applying our proven and extensive set of cryptographic and key management processes and technologies.”

General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor for the Remote Rekey Modernization program. Team members include SAIC (San Diego, Calif.), Ultra Electronics-ProLogic (Fairmont, W.Va.) and General Dynamics Information Technology (Hampton, Va.).

General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 10,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,900 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.generaldynamics.com.

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