Global Power Made in America: Northrop Grumman Makes it in Illinois

In Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Northrop Grumman’s advanced Electro Optical/Infrared Targeting technology, LITENING, is manufactured to provide aviators and ground forces with a high-definition view of the battlespace, both day and night. This facility is part of Northrop Grumman’s one million-square-foot cutting-edge complex in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, which stands as the largest defense industry employer in the state.

This location plays a vital role in electronic warfare, survivability systems, and space technologies, contributing to Illinois’ status as a hub for premier aerospace and defense solutions. Here’s how Northrop Grumman is influencing the future from Illinois:

• A Hub for Innovation and Manufacturing
  Rolling Meadows is renowned for its technological advancements, housing modern digital engineering tools, automation, robotics, and precision manufacturing capabilities. The facility integrates development, testing, and production under one roof, ensuring seamless delivery of mission-critical systems tailored to meet stringent customer requirements.

 Northrop Grumman’s Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), manufactured in Rolling Meadows, is a 5th generation aircraft survivability system that’s a trusted technology of the U.S. Army and approved for export. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

• Strengthening Illinois’ Economy
  Northrop Grumman has a substantial economic footprint in Illinois, employing over 2,500 people and generating a statewide economic impact exceeding $2.5 billion, according to a recent study. The company has invested $253 million with over 300 suppliers based in Illinois, fortifying a robust network of partnerships in the region.
• Community Engagement
  Northrop Grumman’s employees are committed to supporting their community through extensive volunteering and donations. Their efforts help individuals facing financial hardships, enhance access to education, and foster meaningful careers in the tech workforce, demonstrating the company’s dedication to creating positive local impacts.

• Shaping the Future of Defense from Illinois
  The operation in Rolling Meadows is pivotal for Illinois’ contributions to national security and aerospace innovation. With a focus on advanced electronic warfare systems, space capabilities, and infrared countermeasures, Northrop Grumman is at the forefront of defense technology, making significant local and global impacts.

Northrop Grumman builds the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) – the most advanced electronic warfare system for the F-16 – in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. (Photo Credit: Northop Grumman)

• Delivering Advanced Defense Technologies
  The Rolling Meadows facility leads the way in providing essential defense systems to enhance mission success. Key capabilities include:
• Electronic Warfare Systems: Designed to allow our forces to detect and counter threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, ensuring superiority in complex environments. The Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS), for instance, provides advanced protection for F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
• Aircraft Survivability: Developing advanced warning systems and countermeasures like the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ensuring the safety of aircraft and crews in combat zones.
• Electro Optical/Infrared Targeting: Delivering technologies that enable high-definition views of the battlespace for aviators and ground forces. The LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod assists in a wide range of missions, including precision targeting and surveillance.
• Space Technologies: Supporting essential programs for national security and advancements in space exploration, aligning capabilities with modern challenges.

With a workforce nearing 100,000 and over 30 million square feet dedicated to manufacturing, Northrop Grumman possesses the scale and capacity to innovate at an extraordinary pace. The company’s manufacturing approach is designed not only for flawless production but also to enhance the development process, from design to testing. This investment in U.S. infrastructure and workforce equips Northrop Grumman to meet today’s and tomorrow’s national security requirements.

Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-03-05T17:30:00Z)