Northrop Grumman Joins with EADS on Defense Projects

European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and Northrop Grumman are hosting a shared pavilion to raise awareness of their numerous joint projects.

Though the defense conglomerates compete on a political level, they collaborate on technical projects where transatlantic cooperation benefits both sides. Last year, the two signed a memorandum of understanding outlining their common goals.
"EADS and Northrop Grumman have joined in this effort to showcase the progress we've made since signing the MOU," said Northrop Grumman Integrated Systems Sector president Ralph Crosby, Jr.

Joint projects include development of ground surveillance radar to meet a NATO alliance requirement, new electronic warfare sensors, radar for transport aircraft, a new unmanned aerial vehicle, and an aircraft maintenance arm.

For NATO, Northrop Grumman's ISS and EADS plan to create a Joint Project Team to evaluate various approaches to meeting the Alliance Ground Surveillance requirement.

On the electronic warfare front, EADS and Northrop Grumman have signed an agreement detailing the promotion and marketing of existing, improved and new electronic warfare products. Included are radar warning and jamming systems and infrared countermeasures for aircraft use.

"This collaboration in electronic warfare offers huge potential for the security of our armed forces," said Stefan Zoller, president of EADS System & Defence Electronics.

In June 2000, the two companies agreed to team on the AN/APN-241 weather radar chosen for Europe's new A400 military transport aircraft. A month later, the two signed a cooperative agreement regarding development of the High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (HALE UAV).

Also in July of last year, EADS-Sogerma and Northrop Grumman started a joint venture to maintain, repair and overhaul large commercial aircraft in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

By Paul Richfield