Northrop Grumman partnering with Indian defense companies on manufacture of F-16 radar components

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has selected Bangalore-based Bharat Electronics Limited and Dynamatic Technologies Limited to manufacture components of the F-16 APG-68(V)9 fire control radar as part of a broader initiative to engage Indian industry as strategic business partners.

"Following an extensive evaluation of the Indian defense electronic manufacturing base, we feel that these two companies are best positioned to offer the depth of capability required to meet our customers' demanding cost, schedule, and quality standards," said Katie Gray, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Global Sensor Solutions business unit.

As part of a comprehensive co-production program, Northrop Grumman engineers will work side-by-side with engineering teams from Bharat Electronics Limited and Dynamatic Technologies Limited to provide training and support to ensure a smooth transition to production. The engineering teams will collaborate on all aspects of the manufacturing process, beginning with a formal Production Readiness Review (PRR), and concluding with First Article Inspection (FAI) and First Article Test (FAT) milestones. Initial radar component deliveries are expected in the second quarter of 2009.