MSPO 2025: Northrop Grumman signs MoU with WZL2 to strengthen E-2D pitch

Northrop Grumman signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Poland’s Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No 2 (WZL2) on the first day of the MSPO 2025 defence exhibition, held at Targi Kielce from 2 to 5 September.

The MoU is intended to support Northrop Grumman’s bid to supply Poland with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, which is currently competing with a rival bid by Saab, which is offering its GlobalEye AEW&C platform to Poland.

The MoU initially opens the door for Polish industry – and WZL2 in particular – to support any future Polish E-2D fleet, but would also expand Northrop Grumman’s collaboration with Polish industry through workforce development, knowledge transfer and additional, future opportunities that would improve Poland’s long-term defence readiness.

Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager for global surveillance at Northrop Grumman, was quoted in a company press release as saying, “Given today’s complex threats to sovereign and allied integrity, the E-2D would provide Poland with additional technologies to advance missile and air defence superiority through increased detection range and quicker decision making as well as expanding the integration of allied defence resources.”

Jakub Gazda, the CEO of WZL2, added, “Co-operation with Northrop Grumman opens new opportunities for technological development and knowledge sharing. This partnership enables us to better support the modernisation of the Polish armed forces and enhance interoperability with our allies. We look forward to implementing joint initiatives.”