Northrop Grumman has received a $175.6 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the U.S. Air Force to deliver a modified AN/ALQ-251 radio frequency countermeasure system for the Royal Australian Air Force under a Foreign Military Sales transaction with Australia.
Under the sole-source award, Northrop will take over several initiatives for RAAF’s C-130J-30 program, including design, production and program management. The vendor is expected to work in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and complete the effort by March 27, 2029.
The AN/ALQ-251 protects warfighters from EW systems and radar-guided weapons by equipping them with radar warning, threat identification and countermeasure capabilities. It features an ultra-wideband architecture that allows for the detection of more advanced and agile threats. The technology is compatible with large aircraft services, such as the C-130 and C-17.
The FMS transaction follows a recently received $650 million order from Canberra to expand the nation’s defense capabilities. The additional deal for long-range anti-radiation missiles continues the long history of collaboration between Australia and the United States.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles said in January that the Albanese government is committed to equipping Australian warfighters with essential technologies on a modern battlefield.