Northrop Grumman has completed a government-led critical design review for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye’s Block II upgrade, clearing the way for immediate integration and testing of the program’s most substantial modernization to date.
The defense contractor said the milestone was achieved on Tuesday, enabling the transition to Block II production and retrofit phases. The upgrade incorporates changes to both mission system software and hardware, leveraging a modular open-systems architecture and commercial off-the-shelf components to reduce long-term maintenance costs and support fleet modernization.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye serves as an airborne early warning and command-and-control platform for the U.S. Navy. The Block II upgrade will be integrated into the active production line for new aircraft and applied to existing fleet units. Northrop Grumman estimates the program supports more than 4,000 jobs across 411 companies in 40 U.S. states.
Janice Zilch, vice president and program manager for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye at Northrop Grumman, said the completion of the critical design review reflects the team’s expertise and dedication. She noted that the upgrade enhances situational awareness, reduces crew workload, and establishes a foundation for future technology integration. The company aims to deliver Block II-equipped aircraft by the end of the decade.
The E-2D program is a key asset for the U.S. Navy’s airborne early warning and battle management missions, providing radar and sensor capabilities for fleet operations.
