Northrop Grumman details bid for US Navy TACAMO aircraft replacement
The E-XX replacement for the E-6 fleet will be based on a C-130J airframe. (Photo: USN)
The company believes its role as prime contractor on the E-2 Hawkeye puts it in a strong position for the programme to replace the USN's Boeing E-6 Mercury fleet.
Northrop Grumman aims to leverage its experience on the E-2 Hawkeye carrier-based AEW aircraft to compete for the USN's E-XX TACAMO (TAke Charge And Move Out) aircraft programme.
The E-XX will be based on the C-130J Super Hercules platform and will provide connectivity between the senior commanders and nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
The USN currently operates 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft to provide survivable, reliable and endurable airborne command, control and communications.
The service intends to replace the E-6B fleet with the E-XX to modernise this strategic deterrent mission.
Janice Zilch, VP multi-domain command and control programmes at Northrop Grumman said: 'As we’ve demonstrated with the navy’s E-2 programmes, we have been a long-time partner in helping the navy meet its operational requirements. We will bring this expertise in helping the navy deliver the E-XX TACAMO on time and optimised for this strategically important mission.'
Northrop Grumman has worked on development, production and modification of the E-2 as prime contractor since the 1960s.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
E-6 TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme (E-130J) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Northrop Grumman to present improved C2 management system]()
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.
-
![Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials]()
Thales looks to boost DigitalCrew system through AI and human-machine teaming trials
The Thales DigitalCrew package, first unveiled at last year’s Defence IQ International Armoured Vehicles conference, is designed to merge imaging and apply a layer of decision-making and observation algorithms to support crew and other personnel.
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
