Northrop Grumman brings home the BACN
R&D, integration, operations and sustainment of US airborne communications gateway capability included in latest $3.6 billion deal.
Northrop Grumman is to continue its involvement with the USAF Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) programme, under a new $3.6 billion contract announced by the DoD on 21 January.
The deal covers research, development, test, and evaluation, integration, operations and sustainment for existing and future BACN payloads and associated ground stations or controls, ancillary equipment, support equipment and system integration laboratories.
Work will be performed in San Diego, California, for completion by 24 January 2026.
BACN provides an airborne communications gateway capability to US commanders and warfighters, connecting voice and data link networks and enabling situation awareness across multiple levels of communications.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that BACN operates on two US platforms: the E-11A (a version of the Bombardier 700 business jet - pictured) and the EQ-4B Global Hawk UAS.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity]()
UH-60M Black Hawk: export demand underpins $13 billion market opportunity
The UH-60M is the latest variant of the UH-60, a workhorse multirole helicopter that continues to attract further orders from across the globe. With further modernisation upgrades underway, the platform is expected to remain in operation until 2050.
-
![SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US]()
SOF Week 2026: DroneShield moves to double its production capacity in the US
The DroneShield US subsidiary is rapidly expanding its manufacturing footprint in the country and has expedited the process to double its domestic production capacity in at least four months.
-
![Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities]()
Next-generation tactical UAS: Advancing European defence capabilities
As Europe confronts its most unstable security environment since the Cold War, defence planners recognise that advanced, dependable and flexible Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) are central to a force that competes and prevails on today’s battlefield.
-
![Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates]()
Ukraine fighter jet plans accelerate with Sweden and Belgian updates
The country could be on the cusp of finalising an historic deal with Saab for up to 150 aircraft, with Belgium also increasing its number of donated F-16 aircraft to 53 with refreshed delivery timelines.
