Northrop to help Air Force analyze foreign aerospace

Northrop Grumman Corp. will help the Air Force develop intelligence products and technologies for warfighters under a $49.9 million contract.

The company will provide that support to the National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, the Defense Department announced June 2.

Under the contract, Northrop Grumman will operate, maintain and enhance existing intelligence capabilities. As part of its work, the company will integrate new features and emerging technologies into intelligence products.

The National Air and Space Intelligence Center provides intelligence on the aerospace capabilities of other countries. That work includes analyzing data on foreign aerospace forces and weapons systems to identify performance characteristics, capabilities, vulnerabilities and intentions.

Northrop Grumman ranks No. 3 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.