TOKYO and BETHPAGE, N.Y. – Dec. 23, 2013 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has entered into an exclusive, five-year agreement with AAR Corporation of Illinois and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, expanding industrial support for the Japan E-2C Hawkeye program by establishing a "just-in-time" inventory management process.
"Japan is our largest international Hawkeye operator," said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "The Japan Air Self Defense Force [JASDF] has achieved an incredible operational stature with its E-2C fleet, approaching 115,000 accident-free flight hours. The demand for E-2 Hawkeye airborne early warning and control is even greater now than when the systems were first delivered to JASDF in 1984."
Japan initially acquired E-2C aircraft to provide "over the horizon" early warning against low flying aircraft. The mission has evolved over time to include long-range sea and air surveillance. The E-2 Hawkeye provides continuous and simultaneous 360-degree surface and air surveillance, at maximum range.
"Northrop Grumman will continue to provide E-2C support to JASDF and other E-2C operators as the U.S. Navy begins its transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in fiscal year 2015," added LaGrone.
Key industrial partners providing support to JASDF's E-2C Hawkeye fleet include Toshiba Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The AAR agreement supplies airframe parts and accessories for the E-2C with options to increase that support as needed; ensuring that Japan's Hawkeye fleet maintains the high operational rates they have achieved for nearly 30 years.
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.