Northrop Grumman wins $34.5 million contract to upgrade E-2C Hawkeye

Northrop Grumman has won a $34.5 million contract with the U.S. Navy to modify the French Navy’s E-2C Hawkeye Fleet.

The E-2C Hawkeye is the third version of the Hawkeye aircraft, and has upgraded radar and radio communications capabilities as opposed to the original E-2 Hawkeye. Since 2007, the E-2D is the most advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

Under the contract, Northrop Grumman will upgrade the E-2C Hawkeye’s Identification Friend or Foe system, which will further increase commonality and interoperability with the U.S. Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

The company has had a partnership with the French Navy since October 1997, said Bart LaGrone, vice president of E-2/C-2 programs in the company’s Aerospace Systems sector.

In 2000, French Navy began operating the E-2C Hawkeye, and is the only country other than the United States to operate the aircraft from an aircraft carrier, Northrop Grumman said.