Northrop Grumman Delivers E-2D Advanced Hawkeye’s Most Significant Upgrade in Platform History
MELBOURNE, Fla. – August 18, 2026 – Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) has successfully completed a critical design review for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye’s Block II upgrade, marking a pivotal moment in the aircraft’s evolution. This upgrade is considered the most significant in the program’s history, facilitating extensive integration and testing efforts.
With this milestone achieved, Northrop Grumman will promptly initiate Block II integration and testing. The company anticipates delivering Block II aircraft by the end of the decade.
- Block II will dramatically enhance situational awareness and crew efficiency, while also future-proofing the platform against emerging threats.
- This upgrade employs a modular open systems approach along with commercial off-the-shelf products, effectively reducing costs and facilitating long-term fleet sustainment and modernization.
Northrop Grumman is set to integrate the Block II upgrade into the E-2D’s active production line for both new aircraft and the retrofit of existing fleet aircraft, thus increasing upgrade capacity.
Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Northrop Grumman, stated, “Completing the Block II critical design review reflects the dedication and expertise of our team and partners. This upgrade strengthens the E-2D’s suite of capabilities, enhancing situational awareness, reducing crew workload, and paving the way for future technology. We are continuing to deliver unmatched capability at speed to the U.S. Navy and our international partners.”
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is an airborne early warning command and control platform, specifically designed for airborne early warning and battle management missions. The E-2D program supports over 4,000 jobs across 411 companies in 40 U.S. states, significantly bolstering the resilience of the U.S. defense industrial base.
Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-08-18T13:58:00Z)
