Northrop Grumman Expands F-35 Global Supply Chain in Europe; Signs Long-Term Agreement with Norway's Kitron AS
September 22 2015 - 11:15AM
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has signed a long-term
agreement with Norway-based Kitron AS to supply subassembly
electronic modules for F-35 Lightning II aircraft avionics. The
agreement is effective through June 30, 2036, and includes rights
for future extensions.
Northrop Grumman developed the Communication, Navigation and
Identification (CNI) avionics for the F-35, a fifth-generation,
international, multirole fighter and the world's most advanced
military aircraft.
The first F-35A Lightning II for Norway is scheduled for
delivery September 22.
"Northrop Grumman is committed to developing a cost-effective
and technically superior source that would provide the best value
for the F-35 CNI program," said Jeannie Hilger, vice president,
network communication systems, Northrop Grumman Information
Systems. "We established a cooperative, supportive relationship
with Kitron and forged this agreement to formalize our
partnership."
Northrop Grumman's integrated CNI suite provides F-35 pilots
with the capability of more than 27 avionics functions including
voice and data communication. The CNI design uses advanced
software-defined radio technology that allows the simultaneous
operation of multiple critical functions while greatly reducing
size, weight and power demands on the advanced fighter
aircraft.
"The CNI system is critically important to the F-35 and provides
the aircraft with its ability to be integrated into the wider
battlespace," said Andrew Tyler, chief executive, Europe, Northrop
Grumman. "This agreement will further strengthen the deep
partnership with Norway that we have built up over the years and
which dates back to 1940."
For more than a decade, the United States, Norway and seven
other partner nations have invested in developing the F-35. In
addition to the nine partners, three countries have agreed to
procure F-35 aircraft through the Foreign Military Sales
process.
Northrop Grumman also recently awarded Kitron a four-year, $2.5
million contract to develop a test program set (TPS) for evaluating
and troubleshooting F-35 avionics. The TPS equipment consists of
complex Interface Test Assemblies that work with the LM-STAR test
system developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 prime contractor.
"This agreement affirms Kitron's position with Northrop Grumman
as an important partner and supplier of complex electronic modules
and technical services including test development, as well as a
source for repair of avionics for the Joint Strike Fighter," said
Hans Petter Thomassen, managing director of Kitron AS.
As a principal member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry
team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the work
required to develop and produce the aircraft. In addition to
developing and producing the CNI system, Northrop Grumman produces
the center fuselage; designed and produces the AN/AAQ-37
Distributed Aperture System sensor and the aircraft's radar and
electro-optical subsystem; develops mission systems and mission
planning software; leads the team's development of pilot and
maintenance training system courseware; and manages the team's use,
support and maintenance of low-observable technologies.
Kitron AS, a subsidiary of Kitron ASA, is one of Scandinavia's
leading electronic manufacturing services companies. The company
provides electronic manufacturing services to the data/telecoms,
defense, energy, industry, medical equipment and offshore/marine
industries. The company is located in Norway, Sweden, Lithuania,
Germany, China and the United States. Kitron had revenue of about
NOK 1.6 billion in 2013 and has about 1,200 employees.
www.kitron.com
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
CONTACT: Janis Lamar
703-556-1650
janis.lamar@ngc.com
Ken Beedle
+44 (0) 207 747 1910
+44 (0) 7787 174092
ken.beedle@euro.ngc.com
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