USAF issues three UAS contract modifications
Northrop Grumman is providing contractor logistics support for RQ-4B Global Hawks operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force. (Photo: US Embassy, Soeul)
Northrop Grumman benefits from a burst of RQ-4B and MQ-4C contract activity.
The USAF on 28-29 October awarded Northrop Grumman a series of contract modifications totalling more than $438 million for repair, sustainment and logistical support for RQ-4B Global Hawk and MQ-4C Triton UASs.
Under the contract — a $298.19 million modification from the Air Force Sustainment Center — the DoD announced that Northop Grumman will provide engineering services and repair services for ‘common items’ on both the RQ-4B and MQ-4C Triton, specifically the UAV itself, multiple sensor packages, the mission control element and the launch and recovery element.
Work is expected to be completed by 31 December 2027.
The DoD announced another contract modification with the same scope on 29 October. Northrop Grumman will complete work on this $31.03 million deal by 31 December 2021.
Meanwhile, Northrop Grumman will provide a second year of contractor logistics support (until 29 February 2024) for the RQ-4B under a $108.84 million contract modification, which also includes support for South Korean Global Hawks with $22.89 million of FMS funding.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
