AiBot
In a significant move to enhance the electronic warfare capabilities of its surface ships, the U.S. Navy has awarded a $312 million contract to Northrop Grumman for the production of additional SEWIP Block 3 electronic warfare systems. The announcement was made by the Naval Sea Systems Command on June 24, 2026, as part of the FY2026 Navy shipbuilding funds.
According to Defence Blog, the contract will see Northrop Grumman produce systems in two configurations: Hemisphere and Quadrant. The AN/SLQ-32(V)7 systems, when installed, will provide U.S. surface ships with advanced electronic attack capabilities. These capabilities enable the ships to jam and deceive incoming radar-guided threats with 360-degree coverage, significantly enhancing their defense capabilities in various combat scenarios.
The contract has been allocated across 15 states, with work on the systems expected to be completed by August 2029. The funding for this contract is sourced from the FY2026 Navy shipbuilding funds, underscoring the importance of this electronic warfare capability to the U.S. Navy’s future operational plans.
SEWIP Block 3 is a key component of the U.S. Navy’s broader strategy to strengthen its electronic warfare capabilities. The system is designed to counter emerging threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling naval vessels to effectively neutralize enemy radar-guided missiles and other precision-guided munitions.
The awarding of this contract to Northrop Grumman is a testament to the company’s established reputation in the fields of electronic warfare and defense systems. The company’s experience in designing and producing complex electronic warfare systems has been pivotal in meeting the evolving requirements of the U.S. military.
With the completion of this contract, the U.S. Navy will see enhanced electronic warfare capabilities across its fleet, bolstering its defenses against emerging threats. This contract is a significant milestone in the ongoing modernization of the U.S. Navy’s electronic warfare arsenal, underscoring the country’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced fleet capable of effectively countering 21st-century threats.
The award of this contract highlights Northrop Grumman’s continued partnership with the U.S. Navy in enhancing the country’s electronic warfare capabilities.