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Northrop Grumman to Integrate NATO Radio System Into Japan’s E-2D Fleet

Northrop Grumman to Integrate NATO Radio System Into Japan’s E-2D Fleet

Northrop Grumman has received a $57.4 million modification to previously awarded U.S. Naval Air Systems Command contract, exercising an option to integrate the SATURN radio system into Japan’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft fleet.

The contract modification, awarded under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, also covers the delivery of a systems integration laboratory to support the technology integration into the airborne early warning aircraft. Northrop will support the effort from several locations, including Melbourne, Florida, and West Chester, Ohio, until February 2030. Financing will come from the FMS funds.

Next-Gen Radio System

Announced in 2020, SATURN, short for Second-generation, Anti-jam, Tactical UHF Radio for NATO, is a next-generation radio solution that replaced the HAVE QUICK II system in 2024. It provides warfighters with the timely communications they need to make informed decisions.

According to Capt. Shaun Perry, a former SATURN program manager, the new radio system protects against jamming operations led by adversaries and allows NATO allies to operate on the same frequencies.

SATURN also powers South Korea, a NATO partner in East Asia. In July, Seoul tapped BAE Systems to deliver ARC-232A, a SATURN waveform that would equip the nation’s aerial forces with secure and interoperable command and control capabilities, enabling its air force to better collaborate with the alliance.

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