US and Norwegian firms team up to support Norway’s long-term defense strategy

Europe, News, US May 31, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. defense company Northrop Grumman and Norwegian firm Andøya Space signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support Norway’s long-term defense plan. The collaboration between the two firms would allow the Royal Norwegian Air Force to use the MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft system.

The two firms formalized their collaboration to meet Norway’s defense priorities, which include developing advanced autonomous maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The MQ-4C Triton aligns with Norway’s need for maritime surveillance capabilities in the High North.

According to the Northrop Grumman statement, “This partnership will catalyze innovation, stimulate economic growth, and establish Andøya as a global leader in autonomous technology.”

Vice president and general manager of global surveillance at Northrop Grumman, Jane Bishop said, “Our partnership with Andøya Space marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to advancing autonomous capabilities together with Norwegian industry.”

“As Norway considers its options for safeguarding its interests in the High North, Northrop Grumman and Andøya Space are ready to shape the future of advanced autonomous systems by leveraging the MQ-4C Triton to meet the needs of today and the future,” Bishop added.

Chief executive officer of Andøya Space, Ketil Olsen also highlighted that both the Norwegian and U.S. firms have a long and pioneering history within the aerospace industry. Olsen said, “This collaboration will help find robust technological solutions to Norway’s needs and challenges in the north when it comes to maritime surveillance, safety, and security.”

*^{Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft system. (Image Credit: Northrop Grumman)}*

According to Rho Cauley, director of the Triton program at Northrop Grumman, “Northrop Grumman is continuing to forge partnerships with Norwegian industry in support of Norway’s Long-Term Defence Plan… The MQ-4C Triton is a critical platform that can provide Norway with superior and discriminating capabilities to meet Norway’s mission.“

The U.S. is committed to enhancing cooperation with its allies and partners and supporting NATO’s technological edge by pacing cooperation with European defense and space industries. In this regard, the American defense firm, Northrop Grumman is forging enduring partnerships with Norwegian industry and has already invested more than $1 billion in contracts since 2005.

MQ-4C Triton

The multi-intelligence, high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aircraft system, built for the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force, provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (ISR&T). The Triton is capable of extraordinary range, endurance, and speed and has a 360-degree sensor suite integrated into the aircraft.

The MQ-4C Triton platform supports various missions including maritime patrol, signals intelligence, and search and rescue. Force and fleet commanders receive Triton’s persistent surveillance data to help predict enemies’ behavior, enabling the officers to better plan, and enhance joint military response and operations.