Northrop Starts Production Of South Korean Global Hawks, To Deliver By 2018

Northrop Grumman announced Monday that it will begin production of four RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the Republic of Korea's Air Force.

The systems will provide valuable wide-area intelligence gathering capabilities to military commanders so they can make more informed decisions.

As per the contract, the company will work closely with the U.S. Air Force to deliver the systems starting in 2018.

"The system will be a vital link in the Republic of Korea's increasing leadership role in defending the peninsula," said Mary Petryszyn, vice president, International, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

The contract is for four aircraft, two ground stations and supporting equipment that allows Republic of Korea Air Force operators to control and maintain the system.

"This is a significant achievement for Northrop Grumman because it represents the first time a Global Hawk has been sold to an allied nation in the Asia-Pacific region," said Mary Petryszyn.