What Northrop Grumman does

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is a U.S. publicly traded aerospace, defense and security prime contractor headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with nearly 100,000 employees, more than 550 facilities across all 50 U.S. states, and a presence in over 25 countries. The company is organized into five operating sectors — Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, Space Systems, and Rocket Systems — and generates the majority of its revenue from the U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence community through prime contracts, with secondary revenue from NASA civil space programs and allied foreign military sales in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East.

The product portfolio spans aircraft (B-21 Raider sixth-generation stealth bomber, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning, MQ-4C Triton UAS, F-35 center fuselage), missile defense (Integrated Battle Command System, AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR AESA radar, Glide Phase Interceptor, Sentinel ICBM), advanced weapons (AARGM-ER, Jackal precision strike missile, Hatchet, M1147 AMP, Bushmaster Chain Gun), space systems (Pegasus XL air-launch rocket, GEOStar/ESPAStar satellite buses, Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission), propulsion (over 1.3 million solid rocket motors delivered), and mission solutions (counter-UAS M-ACE, Manta Ray UUV, secure microelectronics including the world's fastest terahertz chip produced at the only U.S. defense company with two secure foundries and an advanced packaging facility). AI/ML is embedded across products for predictive maintenance, autonomous targeting, and multi-domain command and control.

The business model is centered on large-scale, multi-year government contracts (firm-fixed-price and cost-plus) awarded through competitive procurement, sole-source acquisition, and foreign military sales channels. Backlog stood at a record $95.61 billion with FY2026 sales guided to $43.5-44.0 billion and a $50 billion revenue target by 2029, supported by approximately 30 million square feet of U.S. manufacturing space, 10,000 suppliers, and $13.5 billion of cumulative five-year U.S. infrastructure and R&D investment. Pricing is non-public and negotiated through DOD acquisition processes; revenue mechanics are dominated by hardware sales with a professional services component from classified programs.

Name

Northrop Grumman

Legal name

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Website

https://northropgrumman.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) is a U.S. prime aerospace and defense contractor with ~100,000 employees and $95.6B backlog, building the B-21 bomber, Sentinel ICBM, IBCS missile defense, E-2D Hawkeye, solid rocket motors and secure microelectronics primarily for the U.S. DoD and allied governments.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Aerospace Systems

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Aircraft & Parts (3720), Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tactical & Strategic Missile Systems (IMABAHAB), Military Space Systems (Defense Spacecraft) (IMABACAC), Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA), Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE)

Keywords

• Defense aerospace systems
• Missile defense solutions
• Military aircraft manufacturing
• Space launch vehicles
• Satellite communications systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Falls Church

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. U.S. Department of Defense Contracts: The majority of Northrop Grumman's revenue comes from U.S. government defense contracts with the Department of Defense, spanning aircraft, missile defense, space systems, and advanced weapons. Revenue is generated through cost-plus, firm-fixed-price, and other contract types on multi-year programs.
2. Space Programs (NASA and Commercial): Revenue from NASA programs including Artemis SLS boosters, commercial satellite programs, and resupply missions. Includes civil space contracts and commercial space launch services.
3. International Defense Sales: Revenue from allied government customers across approximately 25 countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East through foreign military sales programs.
4. Intelligence Community and Classified Programs: Revenue from classified programs for the U.S. intelligence community and special access programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Northrop Grumman designs, manufactures, and sustains advanced aerospace and defense systems across four lines of business: aircraft (stealth bombers, airborne early warning, unmanned systems), missile defense (command and control, interceptors, radar), advanced weapons (precision munitions, hypersonics, tank ammunition), and space systems (launch vehicles, satellites, solid rocket motors). The portfolio also includes mission solutions such as secure microelectronics, counter-UAS, electronic warfare, and navigation systems, delivered primarily as prime-contract hardware, software-defined systems, and integrated platforms to the U.S. Department of Defense and allied governments.

Product overview

Northrop Grumman is a global aerospace, defense and security company organized into five main sectors: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, Space Systems, and Rocket Systems. The company offers an integrated portfolio of advanced defense systems spanning aircraft (B-21 Raider bomber, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye surveillance aircraft, MQ-4C Triton UAV), missile defense (Integrated Battle Command System IBCS, Glide Phase Interceptor, Ground-based Midcourse Defense), weapons (AARGM-ER anti-radiation missiles, Jackal precision strike missile, Hatchet mini-munitions, M1147 AMP tank rounds, Bushmaster Chain Guns), space systems (Pegasus XL launch vehicles, GEOStar and ESPAStar satellite buses, solid rocket motors), mission solutions (G/ATOR radar, microelectronics, electronic warfare, counter-UAS systems, navigation systems), and advanced manufacturing capabilities including microelectronics and hypersonics. The portfolio emphasizes integrated, network-enabled solutions where products like IBCS connect sensors and shooters across domains, while specialized products like the B-21 Raider, Sentinel ICBM, and space systems serve specific strategic missions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• B-21 Raider The world's first sixth-generation aircraft, a long-range stealth bomber for the U.S. Air Force that integrates stealth, advanced sensors, and autonomous capabilities for strategic strike missions.
• E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Airborne early warning command and control aircraft that delivers 360-degree surveillance of thousands of targets over sea and land and supports integrated air and missile defense for the U.S. Navy.
• Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) Battle management command and control system that unifies current and future air and missile defense sensors and shooters across services, domains, and platforms for the U.S. Army and international customers.
• Sentinel ICBM Next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile modernizing the U.S. ground-based leg of the nuclear triad for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Sentinel program.
• Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) Advanced interceptor developed for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to provide layered defense against regional hypersonic missile threats, with hypersonic glide vehicle target tracking and engagement.
• AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range) Extended-range anti-radiation missile for the U.S. Navy designed to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses.
• Hatchet Miniature precision munition delivering effects equivalent to a 500-pound bomb from unmanned aircraft platforms.
• Jackal Precision Strike Missile Turbojet-powered precision strike missile reaching 373 mph with 78-mile standoff range, deployable from air, land, and sea platforms with GPS-denied autonomous targeting.
• M1147 Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) 120mm Tank Round Programmable 120mm tank ammunition round for the M1A2 Abrams that consolidates four legacy munitions into a single multi-purpose round.
• AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR Five-in-one, 360-degree Active Electronically Scanned Array ground-based fire control radar for the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force detection, tracking, and threat response.
• MQ-4C Triton High-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial system for the U.S. Navy providing persistent maritime ISR and patrol reconnaissance.
• Lumberjack Unmanned aerial system designed for autonomous operations supporting a range of U.S. mission profiles.
• Manta Ray Large uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) for maritime domain awareness and long-duration undersea operations.
• M-ACE (Mobile Acquisition, Cueing and Effector System) Integrated counter-drone system providing command and control, detection, tracking, identification, and effector cueing against hostile UAS threats.
• Pegasus XL Air-launched orbital rocket carried beneath the Stargazer L-1011 aircraft that delivers payloads into orbit for NASA, military, and commercial customers.
• Solid Rocket Motors Industry-leading solid rocket motors ranging from a few inches to over 12 feet in diameter for strategic weapons, civil space launch (SLS), and missile defense interceptor programs.
• GEOStar Geosynchronous-orbit satellite bus platform used for military and commercial communications satellites.
• ESPAStar Cost-effective EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA)-class satellite bus for hosting technology development and operational payloads.
• Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM) Multi-mission spacecraft providing communications and hosting payloads in highly elliptical polar orbits.
• Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) GPS-guided fuzing system that converts conventional artillery shells into precision-guided munitions.
• Bushmaster Chain Gun Family of chain guns including the M230 and XM913 used on U.S. and allied attack helicopters and ground combat vehicles.
• Microelectronics (Advanced Defense Semiconductors) Secure, domestically manufactured advanced semiconductor chips including the world's fastest terahertz microchip and GaN W-band microwave chips, produced for radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• B-21 program flipped from $183 million operating loss to $305 million in operating income
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SpaceX (Starshield Program)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2026Northrop Grumman provides sensors for Starshield satellites, SpaceX's government-focused variant of the Starlink architecture. Starshield satellites with Northrop Grumman payloads have been launched on SpaceX Falcon 9 missions as part of the NRO proliferated surveillance constellation.
• U.S. Space Force Space Systems CommandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026U.S. Space Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $398 million contract for the Enhanced Protected Tactical Satellite Communications Prototype (PTS-P) under the Protected Tactical SATCOM Family of Systems program. The satellite will provide advanced anti-jam, jam-resistant Ka-band communications for U.S. tactical forces in contested environments.
• Apex SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026Northrop Grumman partnered with Apex Space to collaboratively develop space-based interceptor satellites for the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense initiative. Northrop Grumman is one of 12 companies selected by the U.S. Space Force to build the SBI component. On-orbit demonstration capability is targeted for 2027. Apex is providing standardized satellite buses designed for large proliferated constellations.
• DARPA (via Morgan State University)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Morgan State University leads the SYMPHONEE radiovoltaic micro-power project under a $3.37 million DARPA contract, with Northrop Grumman partnering alongside Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Project Omega, ARA, and Widetronix to develop long-duration nuclear-based power systems for extreme environments in space, defense, and remote infrastructure applications.
• Lockheed Martin (Missile Production Cascade)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Lockheed Martin's $35 billion THAAD interceptor production contract cascades benefits through the defense supply chain, including Northrop Grumman as a key supplier of solid rocket motors and components for missile defense interceptors.
• Sierra Nevada Corporation (UJTS Competition)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Sierra Nevada Corporation partnered with Northrop Grumman and General Atomics to compete for the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) to replace the T-45 Goshawk. Boeing dropped out of the competition, leaving only Sierra Nevada/Northrop/GA and a Leonardo/Textron team.
• Northrop Grumman Accelerator Program (Rapta startup)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026AI-driven manufacturing quality control startup Rapta joined Northrop Grumman's accelerator program to expand into aerospace and defense manufacturing, signaling a broader shift driven by reshoring and electronic warfare demands. Northrop Grumman provides mentorship and resources to early-stage startups in the defense manufacturing ecosystem.
• Trump Administration / U.S. White HousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2026President Trump met with Northrop Grumman executives at the White House as part of broader defense production acceleration discussions. The Trump administration is pressuring defense contractors to quadruple production of advanced weapons systems and has introduced executive actions restricting dividends and stock buybacks for underperforming firms. Northrop Grumman agreed to accelerate weapons production amid ongoing Iran conflict.
• Boeing, Michelin, AVL (Lunar Rover RACER)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Northrop Grumman partnered with Boeing, Michelin, and AVL to develop the RACER lunar rover for NASA's Artemis program, competing against Venturi Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. The rover featured a modular payload capacity of up to 1,110 pounds but was not selected by NASA.
• Katalyst Space TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025NASA contracted Katalyst Space Technologies to build the LINK robotic servicing spacecraft for the Swift Boost mission. Northrop Grumman provides the Pegasus XL rocket, air-launched from the Stargazer L-1011 aircraft, to deliver the spacecraft to orbit. The $30 million NASA contract demonstrates commercial satellite servicing capabilities.

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin is the largest U.S. defense prime, directly comparable to Northrop Grumman across tactical aircraft (F-35, F-22), missile defense (THAAD, PAC-3), and space systems. The two split major programs (e.g., F-35 airframe vs. center fuselage) and compete head-to-head for DoD prime contracts.
• RTX (Raytheon Technologies): RTX, formed via the merger of Raytheon and United Technologies, is a direct peer in missile defense (Patriot, SM-3, SM-6), radar systems, and propulsion. RTX is the most direct competitor to Northrop Grumman's missile defense franchise and posted a higher FCF margin (8.8% vs. 7.8%).
• Boeing Defense, Space & Security: Boeing's Defense, Space & Security segment competes directly with Northrop Grumman across fixed-wing aircraft (F/A-18, F-15EX), strategic missiles, and space systems. Boeing is the prime on the F-47 sixth-generation fighter — a platform directly competitive with Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider.
• General Dynamics: General Dynamics is one of the top five U.S. defense primes, comparable to Northrop Grumman in mission systems, C4ISR, and combat vehicles (M1 Abrams, Stryker). It is the parent of Gulfstream and competes across multiple DoD service branches.
• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a direct peer in defense electronics, sensors, communications, and space payloads, with growing presence in missile propulsion following its Aerojet Rocketdyne acquisition. L3Harris competes with Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems segment for space and EW programs.
• BAE Systems: BAE Systems is the leading non-U.S. defense prime, directly comparable as a Tier-1 prime on combat vehicles, electronic warfare, and naval ships. BAE competes with Northrop Grumman in allied FMS programs and shares the U.S. Army ground combat vehicle supply relationship.

Broad incumbents

• Textron: Textron's Bell and Textron Aviation segments compete with Northrop Grumman in light attack / training aircraft (e.g., competing for the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System) and unmanned systems. Textron is a broader aerospace and industrial conglomerate with thinner defense focus than Northrop Grumman.

Regional players

• Leonardo S.p.A. Leonardo is a major European defense prime competing in helicopters, training aircraft, and electronics. It partnered with Textron to compete against Northrop Grumman's SNC-led team for the U.S. Navy UJTS trainer, making it a regional peer in trainer/light aircraft categories.

Emerging players

• General Atomics: General Atomics is a privately held defense contractor specializing in unmanned aerial systems (MQ-9 Reaper, CCA) and is a competitor and partner with Northrop Grumman. It competes in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft and UJTS trainer competitions and is a direct competitor in UAVs alongside Northrop Grumman's MQ-4C Triton.
• Mercury Systems: Mercury Systems is a smaller defense electronics provider specializing in mission-critical processing, RF, and microelectronics subsystems. It is comparable to Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems segment as a focused supplier of secure, trusted computing hardware for defense platforms.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/northropgrumman
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCiTTe3mBodoZVGVhQDpEFjg
• Facebookfacebook.com/NorthropGrumman
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/northrop-grumman-corporation
• Instagraminstagram.com/northropgrumman

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors2 records

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M&A21 records

Investments10 records

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Frequently asked questions about Northrop Grumman