Electronic warfare (EW) experts at Northrop Grumman Corp. are building additional open-architecture RF jammers for infantry, land vehicles, and fixed sites to protect U.S. and allied warfighters from radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Officials of the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington announced a $245 million order Friday to the Northrop Grumman Mission Systems segment in Herndon, Va., for Joint Counter-Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) increment one block one (I1B1) systems full-rate production.
The JCREW I1B1, formerly known as JCREW 3.3, is the first-generation system that develops a common open architecture across all three capabilities and provides protection for worldwide military operations, officials say.
This integrated design for RF jammers makes the most of commonality across all capabilities, reduces life cycle costs, and provides increased protection against worldwide threats, Navy officials say. It is for the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, and is under supervision of Naval Sea Systems Command.
Friday's order is a modification to a $57.7 million contract announced in July 2017 for JCREW I1B1 full-rate production. Last July Northrop Grumman won a $96.5 million JCREW I1B1 production order, a $23.2 million order in December 2017, and a $267.7 million order in September 2018. The original contract has options that could increase its value to $505.3 million.
CREW systems provide combat troops protection against radio-controlled IEDs, and are designed to provide protection for foot soldiers, vehicles, and permanent structures, Navy officials say.
Among the JCREW I1B1 systems is the Northrop Grumman Freedom 240 for Counter Radio-controlled IED Electronic Warfare Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operation Capable (SOC), or CREW MEU.
The system jams a wide range of IEDs and creates a protective barrier around Marine Corps infantry and their equipment while minimizing disruption to friendly communications systems.