Northrop, Alliant Developing Iraq Anti-Artillery Weapon

Defense contractor Northrop Grumman Corp. and Alliant Techsystems Inc., the largest supplier of ammunition and rocket motors to the U.S. military, are developing an anti-artillery weapon for use in Iraq.

Century City-based Northrop is providing the fire-control system and leading the development of the U.S. Army program, and Alliant Techsystems is providing the interceptor that destroys the incoming rockets, artillery or mortars, the companies said Thursday.

Mortar attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq are the second-leading cause of death after attacks on vehicles with homemade bombs and other improvised explosive devices, prompting the U.S. Army to seek an effective way to defend American soldiers.

A test firing will take place next week in Yuma, Ariz., said Bryce Hallowell, a spokesman for Edina, Minn.-based Alliant.

“This has been a rapid development,” Hallowell said. “Four months ago, this was nothing but a PowerPoint presentation. If we’re successful next week, this could be going to Iraq in the near term.”

The companies estimate that sales of the weapon could be worth $500 million.

Alliant shares fell $1.68, or 2.4%, to $68.18. Northrop shares fell 37 cents to $55.13. Both trade on the New York Stock Exchange.