Northrop Grumman Increases Production of Combat-Proven Electronic Bomb Fuze
Northrop Grumman’s team in Rocket Center, West Virginia, supports the production and testing of advanced electronic fuzes, including the FMU-139D/B. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)
ROCKET CENTER, W.Va. – Oct. 29, 2026 – The U.S. Navy has announced an increase to the maximum value of its existing contract with Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) by approximately $97 million to facilitate ongoing production of the FMU-139D/B electronic bomb fuze.
The FMU-139D/B serves as a crucial electronic bomb fuze, providing safety and timing functionalities that control the deployment and performance of munitions. Recognized for its adaptability, it has been integrated into various U.S. and allied aircraft platforms and munitions. The fuze’s reliable operation is vital for ensuring that munitions function as intended, thereby supporting the readiness and reliability of U.S. and allied forces.
Manufactured at the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory (ABL) in Rocket Center, West Virginia, this contract extension underscores Northrop Grumman’s proven capability in producing critical components for the U.S. military’s air-delivered weaponry.
Earlier this year, Northrop Grumman achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its 200,000th FMU-139D/B fuze, exemplifying its long-standing commitment to large-scale production. The implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies and automation has enabled ABL to ramp up production to as many as 85,000 fuzes per year, significantly enhancing efficiency and responsiveness to increased demands.
With a diverse portfolio of advanced fuzing and warhead technologies, Northrop Grumman is dedicated to delivering precise, reliable, and mission-tailored solutions suitable for various operational environments. As the sole provider that combines capabilities in metals, electronics, composites, and energetics on a single campus, Northrop Grumman is well-positioned to develop integrated fuze and warhead designs that meet the performance and scalability needs of contemporary military missions.
Source: Northrop Grumman (2026-10-29T15:19:00Z)
