Northrop Grumman and Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A. (WZL2) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the MSPO international defence industry exhibition in Poland. The agreement highlights the importance of allied industrial collaboration to deliver sovereign defence capabilities.
The MOU provides a framework to explore opportunities to strengthen Poland’s national defence with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye through NATO interoperability and cooperation between the two organisations. It also allows for the consideration of expanding collaboration in areas such as workforce development, knowledge transfer and future initiatives to improve long-term readiness.
Northrop Grumman described the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye as the world’s premier airborne command and control aircraft. With 70 aircraft already in global operation, the platform has a battle-proven record and represents the largest allied airborne command and control community.
“Given today’s complex threats to sovereign and allied integrity, the E-2D would provide Poland with additional technologies to advance missile and air defense superiority through increased detection range and quicker decision making as well as expanding the integration of allied defense resources,” said Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager, global surveillance, Northrop Grumman.
Krzysztof Krystowski, country director, Northrop Grumman Polska S.A., stated: “Northrop Grumman has a long-term, strategic commitment to working with the Polish government and local defense industrial partners to provide capabilities that will sustain the nation’s sovereignty and increase its defense interoperability with NATO and allied countries. This memorandum not only expands our relationship with WZL2 but also creates the opportunity to easily further our relationship in the future.”
Jakub Gazda, chief executive officer of WZL2, added: “Cooperation with Northrop Grumman opens new opportunities for technological development and knowledge sharing. This partnership enables us to better support the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces and enhance interoperability with our allies. We look forward to implementing joint initiatives.”
Northrop Grumman has a longstanding record of cooperation with Poland’s defence industry. Previous contributions include the Integrated Battle Command System for air and missile defence, Bushmaster® Chain Guns® and advanced ammunition for new combat vehicles, as well as advanced radars for the F-16 fleet.
WZL2 is one of Poland’s largest aviation facilities and a member of PGZ Groupa, a group of companies strategically important to the nation’s defence and economy. The plant has nearly eight decades of experience in servicing and modernising military aircraft and engines.