Northrop Grumman Tightens USAF Comms

Many diverse electronic systems used by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) have encouraged that branch of the armed forces to seek help to ensure the systems communicate properly. A task order issued to Northrop Grumman Corp. and its Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) is meant to ensure consistent, reliable communications and connectivity among USAF airborne and ground stations and partner nation systems. The task order provided continued support through January 2027.

Kevin Berkowitz, vice-president for secure processing and networks at Northrop Grumman, said, “As a program of record with nearly a quarter million combat and noncombat flight hours, the commitment to the program’s sustainment demonstrates the indispensable role BACN plays in today’s missions. The battlespace is becoming increasingly complex, and the data interoperability BACN provides between legacy and emerging systems will be critical to future mission success. As a trusted partner we are delivering the capabilities our customers need to respond to growing threats.” 

The high-altitude BACN system (see image above) translates and distributes imagery, voice, and tactical data across various platforms, assisting partner warfighters operating across all domains. Integrated on Bombardier E-11 aircraft, the BACN system features an open architecture with outstanding cybersecurity.