SAN DIEGO, June 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Navy has awarded
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a $44.3 million contract to
integrate high-speed, secure communications and networking systems on
an E-6B Mercury aircraft, part of the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO)
strategic communications relay mission.

Navy E-6B TACAMO aircraft provide survivable and reliable airborne
command, control and communications between the president of the United
States, secretary of Defense, and U.S. strategic and nonstrategic
forces.

With the Block II Modification, the E-6B aircraft will be able to
connect to secure U.S. Department of Defense networks at high data
rates while still in flight. The upgrade will enable users on board the
aircraft to access mission-essential, near-real-time information from
worldwide sources without impacting the operational performance of the
aircraft.

"Northrop Grumman's innovative approach to integration allows the
government to rapidly field emerging technologies for vital defense
missions such as TACAMO within existing budget constraints," said
Claude Hashem, vice president of network communications systems for
Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "The Block II Modification will
provide the E-6B community with superior networking capability that
enables a significant increase in operational capability."

Northrop Grumman will design and produce networking and communications
systems, first integrating the systems into the E-6B Systems
Integration Laboratory and then on a single E-6B aircraft. Under the
contract, awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command, Northrop Grumman
will also provide testing, logistics and training to support
operational fielding.

The Navy intends to field the enhanced capability to the entire fleet
of E-6B aircraft through a follow-on contract. Navy E-6B aircraft are
used to conduct both the TACAMO and U.S. Strategic Command Airborne
Command Post missions.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics,
information systems, and technical services to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com
for more information.


CONTACT: Janis Lamar
         (703) 556-1650
         janis.lamar@ngc.com