The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a $49.9million advance procurement contract for long-lead parts and support for two Lot 7 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. The Navy used FY19 funds for the contract. The service requested four aircraft in itsFY19 budget request back in February, and Congress added another two airframes in the defense appropriations bill. The addition brought the E-2D budget from $983.4 million to $1.3 billion.
The Navy funded five aircraft in FY18, which represented the final year of a multiyear procurement deal covering 25 aircraft in total. The Navy has proposed a final five-year contract for the remaining 24 aircraft planned between FY19 and FY23, and valued at $3.5 billion. The Navy wants the contract to include options for up to 18 additional aircraft to allow room for potential export sales. The FY19 defense authorization bill included a provision granting permission to enter into a multiyear agreement for up to 24 aircraft.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye includes the Advanced Hawkeye radar, now known as the APY-9, an active electronically scanned array (AESA)system with better power and range than the E-2C’s APS-145. Inside the aircraft, Advanced Hawkeye operators have new radar system workstations,integrated satellite communications capabilities, and other battle management tools. The E-2D also features a new cockpit, upgraded terrain-avoidance systems, and navigation upgrades to ensure the aircraft’s compatibility with global air traffic management system enhancements.
Shaun's deep-rooted interest in military equipment continues in his role as a senior defense analyst with a focus on the United States. He played an integral role in the development of Forecast International's U.S. Defense Budget Forecast, an interactive online product that tracks Pentagon acquisition programs throughout the congressional budget process. As editor of International Military Markets – North America, Shaun has cultivated a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. He is a regular contributor to Forecast International's Defense & Security Monitor blog and has co-authored white papers on global defense spending and various military programs.
