Northrop Grumman wins French E-2C Hawkeye work
Northrop Grumman has been issued a $34.5 million contract by the US Navy to upgrade the French Navy’s fleet of three E-2C Hawkeyes with an upgraded Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. The new system will increase commonality and interoperability between the French fleet and the US Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.
As well as updating the IFF system, AN/APX-122A IFF Mode 5/Mode S Interrogators and AN/APX-123 IFF Mode 5/Mode S Transponders will also be installed on the French fleet.
The French Navy is the only country other than the United States to operate its E-2 Hawkeyes from an aircraft carrier, and the two navies have conducted numerous exercises to ensure the Hawkeye remains relevant to requirements. The French Navy has operated its fleet since 2000.
Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, said: ‘Northrop Grumman has had a long and collaborative partnership with the French Navy, extending back to October 1997. Through that partnership, we've observed the proactive and innovative approach the French Navy takes to maintaining relevancy of its E-2 Hawkeye fleet and personnel.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025]()
US lawmakers allocate an additional $1.1 billion for shipbuilding in FY2025
The fund includes extra money for constructing a third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a second Virginia-class submarine.
-
![Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards]()
Myanmar launches new FF-135 frigate, the largest ever built in its domestic yards
The launch of the King Thalun marks a high point for shipbuilding in Myanmar.
-
![Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy]()
Latest Virginia-class submarine, the future USS Iowa, delivered to US Navy
The second Virginia-class vessel delivered in 2024, the USS Iowa is also the twelfth battle force vessel added to the US Navy across the year.
-
![China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel]()
China launches Type 076 next-generation amphibious assault vessel
The Type 076, named the Sichuan at launch, is part of a naval arms race with the US Navy.
-
![NATO to strengthen its Baltic Sea presence after new cable cutting incident]()
NATO to strengthen its Baltic Sea presence after new cable cutting incident
The vessel suspected of cutting cables has been boarded by the Finnish Coast Guard, and Estonia has launched naval protection patrols.
-
![How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities]()
How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
While China has been rapidly advancing with the development of the Type 055 class, the US Navy has been struggling to progress with the modernisation of its cruiser fleet.
