Northrop wins Navy tactical data link contract

The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a five-year, $80 million contract to upgrade and enhance a tactical data link communication processor that furnishes critical information about friendly and enemy activity in real time during combat operations, the company said April 5.

Under the indefinite-quantity, indefinite-delivery contract, Northrop Grumman will develop software and hardware systems for the the next generation command and control processors (NGC2Ps) aboard naval surface ships. The company also will furnish engineering services and technology refresh kits for the processors, the company said.

Planned improvements that will take place under the contract will boost computational capacity and support current and future enhancements, such as integration of the Link 22 secure digital radio link, the company said. 

The NGC2P is a tactical data link communication processor that provides critical real-time information about friendly and enemy activity during combat operations.

The NGC2P Technology Refresh and Link 22 contract was awarded by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command-San Diego. If the Navy exercises an additional two-year option, it would raise the total contract value to $95 million.

Northrop Grumman's project team includes GET Engineering, FUSE Integration and Technology Unlimited Group.