Sypris Wins Award for Cryptographic Program

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Sypris Electronics, LLC, a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions, Inc., announced that it has recently received a follow-on award from a U.S. DOD prime contractor to manufacture and test embedded circuit card assemblies that will perform certain of the cryptographic functions for the Army Key Management System (AKMS). Production is expected to begin in 2023. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The AKMS is a fielded system that consists of three subsystems: local communications security management software (LCMS), automated communications engineering software (ACES) and the simple key load device. Under the umbrella of our nation’s Electronic Key Management System, the AKMS provides tactical units and sustaining bases with an organic key generation capability and an efficient secure electronic key distribution means.

The LCMS workstation provides automated key generation, distribution and communications security accounting. The ACES, which is the frequency management portion of AKMS, has been designated by the Military Communications Electronics Board as the joint standard for use by all services in development of frequency management and cryptographic net planning and signal operation instructions generation.

The embedded circuit card assemblies to be produced by Sypris will perform the cryptographic functions for a ruggedized, portable, hand-held simple key load device that will be used to securely receive, store and transfer data between compatible cryptographic and communications equipment. The device incorporates features that provide for the streamlined management of communications security key, electronic protection data and signal operation instructions.

“We are pleased to extend our long-term partnership on and support of this important secure communications program,” said Mark R. Kane, Vice President & General Manager of Sypris Electronics. “Backlog on this program now extends deep into 2024, which will help to provide for the continuity of production and timely deliveries of this critical product for years to come.”