Northrop Grumman Corporation and Andøya Space have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support Norway’s Long Term Defense Plan. This partnership aims to develop advanced autonomous maritime ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capabilities, furthering Norway’s priorities in the High North.
Strategic Collaboration
The collaboration leverages Northrop Grumman’s experience in autonomous systems and Andøya Space’s technological capabilities to innovate and stimulate economic growth.
Jane Bishop, Vice President and General Manager of Global Surveillance at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Our partnership with Andøya Space marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing autonomous capabilities together with Norwegian industry. As Norway considers its options for safeguarding its interests in the High North, Northrop Grumman and Andøya Space are ready to shape the future of advanced autonomous systems by leveraging the MQ-4C Triton to meet the needs of today and the future.”
Ketil Olsen, CEO of Andøya Space, highlighted the longstanding collaboration: “Andøya Space and Northrop Grumman have a long and pioneering history within the aerospace industry. This collaboration will help find robust technological solutions to Norway’s needs and challenges in the north when it comes to maritime surveillance, safety, and security.”
Commitment to Regional Security
Supporting Norway and its NATO partners is essential to ensuring security in the High North. During a visit to Oslo in March 2024, Northrop Grumman Chair, CEO, and President Kathy Warden stressed the importance of trusted industry partnerships to regional security and NATO’s technological edge when she met with Norwegian government and industry leaders. The company has invested more than $1 billion in contracts with Norwegian industry since 2005.
Technological Advancements
Northrop Grumman, known for its advanced maritime ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) capabilities, will utilize the MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft. Built for the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, the MQ-4C Triton is among the most advanced maritime ISR platforms deployed today. It supports missions including maritime patrol, signals intelligence, and search and rescue, providing force and fleet commanders with persistent surveillance data to predict adversary behavior and enhance joint military responses.
