Northrop in collaborative research deal with Australian military

Northrop Grumman and the Australian Defense Science and Technology Organization are partnering to collaborate in research on defense technologies.

An agreement for the strategic alliance was signed on Wednesday in Canberra, the Australian capital, by Northrop Grumman Australia Chief Executive Ian Irving and Chief Defense Scientist Alex Zelinsky.

"This agreement is a further demonstration of Northrop Grumman's commitment to Australia and to the defense organization," Irving said. "Northrop Grumman has significant experience in C4ISR, electronic warfare and unmanned systems. We've seen significant developments in these areas in recent years and they will continue to transform defense forces around the world."

C4ISR is the military acronym for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Added Zelinsky: "DSTO and Northrop Grumman have strong levels of expertise in cutting-edge technology and working together will increase our ability to find the right technological solutions for the future of the Australian Defense Force."

Under the agreement, Northrop Grumman and DSTO will collaborate on projects and DSTO will have access to Northrop Grumman's specialized defense knowledge.

Additional details were not disclosed.