Northrop to Get Air Force Radar Contract

Northrop Grumman Corp., the maker of the Global Hawk unmanned spy plane, will get an Air Force contract worth about $900 million by the end of March to build and test airborne radar that can track both ground targets and cruise missiles.

The Defense Department on Dec. 4 approved development and demonstration of the multi-platform radar technology insertion program, said Chuck Paone, spokesman for the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center, which oversees the program. The project will run from 2004 through 2010.

Century City-based Northrop received a $303-million design contract for the radar in 2000.

Northrop shares rose 32 cents to $94.47 on the New York Stock Exchange.