FALLS CHURCH, Va., Aug. 3, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has received a U.S. Navy contract to begin production of a second Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning (AEW) and surveillance aircraft.

Northrop Grumman has received a U.S. Navy contract to begin configuration of a second Japanese E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.

The first Japanese E-2D is in production and will be delivered in 2018.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=40965

The aircraft will be produced at the company's Aircraft Integration Center of Excellence in St. Augustine, Florida. Northrop Grumman will manufacture the Japanese E-2D on the same multiyear production line used for U.S. aircraft, which allows for a more efficient and affordable delivery schedule. The E-2D is the world's only AEW aircraft in production.

"For more than 50 years, Northrop Grumman has partnered with Japan by providing a range of capabilities and technologies in defense, security and communications," said Jane Bishop, vice president, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye programs, Northrop Grumman. "We are honored to continue this strong partnership through the E-2D program, which brings Japan a powerful new tool that meets their immediate airborne surveillance needs and facilitates information sharing across many platforms, making it a force multiplier for the future as well."

In 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Defense competitively selected the E-2D to fulfill the nation's AEW requirements. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has operated the E-2C Hawkeye since the 1983. The E-2C is also currently used by Taiwan, France and Egypt.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

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