Advanced Networking Technology

Creating a resilient, cyber-secure, open and integrated communications network is critical to maintaining the strategic advantage needed to succeed across today’s technology-driven battlespace.

We are responding to the new age of data-driven warfare by rapidly bringing forward advanced, integrated and secure networking systems that will enhance mission effectiveness, improve situational awareness and heighten warfighter safety. Northrop Grumman is developing a broad portfolio of advanced networking technologies and capabilities designed to meet the mission needs of today that is positioned to meet the network-centric operations of tomorrow.

Our Networked Communications Solutions (NCS) provide scalable, platform agnostic, cyber-secure, open architecture networking systems. NCS offerings sit at the center of 4th and 5th generation platform connectivity—providing a wide range of leading communications and networking capabilities used across the Department of Defense (DOD) and coalition militaries.

NCS offerings provide differentiated security, data translation, tactical networking and multifunction technologies that will help the DOD realize its vision for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and maintain an advantage in an age of technology driven conflict. Our portfolio of NCS systems are designed to be platform agnostic and the open architecture, software-defined nature of the systems allows for rapid integration of new capabilities and networking functions, inclusive of third-party sensors and solutions.

Northrop Grumman’s gateway systems have an extensive track record of helping interconnect branches of the military. Our leading Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) gateway system has over 200,000 combat operational flight hours since its first deployment with the U.S. Air Force in 2008.

As the prime on the BACN program, our system provides a high-altitude, airborne communications gateway that translates and distributes imagery, voice and tactical data from disparate elements—enhancing situational awareness communications and coordination for joint warfighters operating across space, air, land and sea. It is also one of the first battle-tested gateway systems to enable warfighters and platforms to effectively communicate and securely share data across all branches of the DOD.

We are investing in developing low size, weight and power gateway systems which are designed to enable communications and cross domain translations between multiple beyond line-of-sight and line-of-sight networks and datalinks—inclusive of 5th to 4th^, generation capabilities. The development of these systems includes a focus on multi-level secure and integrated functions such as cloud computing, machine learning, ethical and secure artificial intelligence, next generation data links and the use of third-party software and sensor solutions.

We are a Tactical Data Link (TDL) solutions provider with 60 years of experience in the design and development of TDLs, network planning, management and control systems for every echelon of battlefield network communications. Our deep understanding of network protocols, messages, and operational use has resulted in a mature and robust link management product suite. Our TDL solutions are currently employed world-wide, used by both Defense and Industry to conduct TDL operations using a wide variety of over 30 interfaces and protocols, such as Link 16, Link 11, Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP), Variable Message Format (VMF) and Link 22.

For 45 years, Northrop Grumman has supplied protected satellite communications capabilities for a range of critical national security and DoD programs.

Today, we provide truly protected, anti-jam, LPI-LPD, cyber secure and nuclear survivable space systems. We are currently engaged in new efforts including the Enhanced Strategic SATCOM (ESS) system and the protected tactical SATCOM (PTS) system. As the DoD looks to interconnect all domains, the combination of our space and networking capabilities will play a vital role—providing secure communications around the globe.