ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NYSE:NOC), a prominent player in the Aerospace & Defense industry with a market capitalization of $69.58 billion, has initiated the production of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft for the French Navy. According to InvestingPro data, the company generated revenues of $40.98 billion in the last twelve months, demonstrating its significant market presence. The commencement of manufacturing was marked by a ceremony at the company's facility in St. Augustine, Florida, attended by officials from the French Navy, Northrop Grumman, the Naval Air Systems Command, and the Navy International Programs Office.
The start of production signals a significant step for France as it prepares to upgrade its airborne command and control capabilities. France's current E-2C Hawkeye 2000 fleet, in service for over two decades, will be replaced by three E-2D aircraft, with the first delivery expected in 2027. The E-2D model offers substantial improvements, including aerial refueling capabilities, which enhance the aircraft's endurance and operational flexibility. Northrop Grumman's strong financial position, with a FAIR overall health score from InvestingPro, supports its ability to deliver on such long-term contracts.
Janice Zilch, vice president of multi-domain command and control programs at Northrop Grumman, stated, "Our partnership with France goes back over 25 years. We are proud to have supported the French Navy with the Hawkeye 2000, and we look forward to providing a generational leap in decision dominance with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye."
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye represents the latest evolution in a lineage of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft that spans more than 60 years. As the world's leading Airborne Command & Control aircraft, the E-2D is engineered to meet global threats both over land and sea. Northrop Grumman has maintained an active production line for the E-2D, boasting a 100% on-time delivery record and continuing to integrate new technologies to stay ahead of emerging threats.
The E-2D's predecessors have been integral to the French Navy, particularly in supporting the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group and facilitating interoperability exercises with the U.S. Navy. France remains the only country besides the U.S. to operate its E-2C Hawkeyes from an aircraft carrier.
Northrop Grumman is recognized as a leader in global aerospace and defense technology, delivering advanced solutions that enable connectivity and defense across the world while also contributing to human space exploration.
This announcement is based on a press release statement and reflects the company's ongoing commitment to enhancing military capabilities through its innovative aerospace solutions.
In other recent news, Northrop Grumman reported significant advancements in its operations. The company's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) demonstrated successful integration with the U.S. Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system during tests. Moreover, the company's LITENING pods, equipped with high-definition sensors, have been upgraded for faster data transmission. Northrop Grumman has also successfully activated the U.S. Space Force's Enhanced Polar System – Recapitalization (EPS-R) payloads, part of the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), handed over to Space Norway.
Investment banking firms Jefferies, Susquehanna, and UBS have revised their outlooks on Northrop Grumman's shares positively, following the company's robust third-quarter performance, with a 6% year-to-date revenue growth and a 13% increase in earnings per share. Furthermore, the company's board of directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $2.06 per share, reflecting the company's financial health.
Despite challenges in the space sector, Northrop Grumman projects a 3-4% sales increase in 2025, focusing on international markets and new development programs. These are recent developments that provide a snapshot of Northrop Grumman's recent activities and achievements in the industry.
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