NAVAIR orders additional E-2D Hawkeye planes from Northrop Grumman

The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has signaled its intent to award a significant sole-source, fixed-price contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. (NGSC) for the procurement of four E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The move underscores the highly specialized nature of defense procurement and highlights Northrop Grumman’s unique position as the sole developer and manufacturer of this critical airborne early warning platform.

Northrop Grumman is poised to deliver not only the four advanced aircraft but also provide an extensive range of associated support services from its facility in Melbourne, Fla. The company will provide comprehensive program management, systems engineering, non-recurring engineering, production engineering support, production management, quality assurance, integrated logistics support, and various configuration and software support activities. The contract will also cover the provision of technical, administrative, and financial data crucial for the ongoing lifecycle support of these sophisticated assets.

NGSC is the exclusive designer, developer, and manufacturer of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye weapon system. Northrop Grumman is the "only source with the requisite knowledge, experience, and technical data required to successfully manufacture the aircraft without causing unacceptable delays in meeting the Navy’s operational requirements,” the Navy said in contract documents.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye plays a vital role in providing airborne command and control for the U.S. Navy, offering critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities essential for fleet operations worldwide.