E 2D Advanced Hawkeye contract strengthens fleet radar readiness
The E 2D Advanced Hawkeye contract awarded to Northrop Grumman Systems Corp marks a significant sustainment investment for the US Navy airborne early warning fleet and its Japanese partner. The Navy has issued a ceiling priced delivery order valued at up to 198 million dollars for the procurement of 608 power amplifier module spares used on the E 2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.
The award was announced by the Department of Defense and executed by Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support in Philadelphia. Work will be performed at Northrop Grumman facilities in Melbourne Florida and is scheduled for completion by February 2029.
Contract details and scope of work
Under delivery order N00383 26 F S50R, issued against an existing basic ordering agreement, Northrop Grumman will manufacture and deliver power amplifier modules critical to the E 2D radar and mission system architecture. These modules support the aircrafts advanced electronically scanned array radar, which provides long range air and maritime surveillance for carrier strike groups.
The delivery order does not include an option period. Funding at the time of award totals approximately 97 million dollars, split between Navy working capital funds and Foreign Military Sales funds. According to the announcement, 64.3 million dollars in Navy funds and 32.7 million dollars in FMS funding from Japan were obligated immediately and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
Support for Japan through Foreign Military Sales
A portion of the E 2D Advanced Hawkeye contract supports Japan under the US Foreign Military Sales program. The Japan Air Self Defense Force operates the E 2D as part of its airborne early warning and control mission, replacing older E 2C platforms and expanding interoperability with US forces in the Indo Pacific.
By aligning US Navy and Japanese requirements in a single sustainment action, the Navy aims to streamline logistics and maintain common configuration standards across allied fleets. This approach reflects broader Pentagon efforts to improve readiness while supporting key regional allies through established FMS mechanisms.
Non competitive award rationale
The Navy solicited one firm for this requirement under the authority of Title 10 US Code 3204 a 1, which permits non competitive awards when only one responsible source can meet agency requirements. Northrop Grumman is the original equipment manufacturer for the E 2D mission systems, including the radar and associated electronic components.
Officials stated that one offer was received. This is consistent with past E 2D sustainment actions, which typically rely on the prime contractor due to proprietary designs and integration requirements.
Importance of power amplifier modules
Power amplifier modules are a key element of the E 2D Advanced Hawkeye radar system. They enable high power transmission and precise beam control, supporting the aircrafts ability to detect and track airborne and surface threats at extended ranges.
Maintaining an adequate supply of spares is essential for operational availability, especially as the E 2D fleet continues high tempo deployments aboard US Navy aircraft carriers and at land based sites. The contract supports long term sustainment as the platform remains a cornerstone of naval integrated air and missile defense.
Program background and broader context
The E 2D Advanced Hawkeye is operated by the US Navy and Japan and is widely regarded as one of the most capable airborne early warning platforms in service. It features a digital cockpit, advanced communications, and the AN APY 9 radar, allowing it to act as a battle management node across air, sea, and joint forces.
Northrop Grumman continues to serve as the prime contractor for the platform, supporting production, upgrades, and sustainment. Recent Navy budget documents have emphasized readiness and sustainment funding for high demand aviation assets, including the E 2D, as part of broader force posture and modernization efforts.
This latest E 2D Advanced Hawkeye contract aligns with those priorities, ensuring radar performance and mission availability through the end of the decade.
Get real time update about this post category directly on your device, subscribe now.
