World Defense Show 2026: Northrop Grumman to present improved C2 management system
The Northrop Grumman Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Poland and the US Army with another 20 countries believed to have expressed an interest.
The Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) Sentry E-3D Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) fleet has received a Mode S upgrade to the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator from Northrop Grumman. The upgrade is the latest in a series of modifications to be carried out by the company under the Sentry E-3D Whole Life Support Programme (WLSP).
The IFF interrogator is a sophisticated airborne defence system that provides a long-range, rapid early warning and detection capability, allowing discrimination between friendly and hostile aircraft. The Mode S system enables the aircraft to be used in controlled airspace.
John Parker, director, weapon system sustainment and modernisation, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, said: ‘This innovative system upgrade has eliminated the need for complete mission computer replacement, thereby providing the Ministry of Defence with a comprehensive, affordable solution to the Civil Aviation Authority's upgrade requirement.
‘The new, open architecture system also provides a foundation for future incremental hardware and software upgrades to support sustainment of the Sentry E-3D.’
The work was performed at RAF Waddington, where the Sentry fleet is based.
Northrop Grumman is contracted to deliver the WLSP for the Sentry E-3D AWACS fleet through to 2025. The company works in partnership with the Air ISTAR Programme Team to provide a wide range of through-life services needed to support the Sentry E-3D AWACS aircraft. Northrop Grumman also provides the radar and in-service support for the radar.
The Northrop Grumman Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Poland and the US Army with another 20 countries believed to have expressed an interest.
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