Northrop Grumman and the Air Force’s Electronic Systems Center signed a research and development agreement to develop network-centric operations capabilities, according a Northrop news release. Under the 24-month collaborative agreement, Northrop and the Air Force will use Northrop’s cyber warfare integration network, crew advanced virtual environment, and E-8X laboratories to further work on situation awareness and time-critical targeting. Northrop also will develop a “capstone demonstration plan leading to a live multi-platform network-centric operations demonstration,” according to Northrop.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
