Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded a $23,741,540 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract to exercise options for engineering support services, other direct costs, and depot services for Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare (JCREW) Increment One Block One (I1B1) systems. in early february 2021, Officials of the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington announced a $329.9 million order to the Northrop Grumman Mission Systems segment in Herndon, Va., for JCREW I1B1 systems for Australia. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be complete by July 2022. The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
For the Northrop Grumman team that designs and produces the JCREW system, that value is measured in the euphoric high-fives of a convoy that returns unharmed from a dangerous mission. JCREW is a software-programmable jammer that provides protection from device-triggered IEDs. The units are available in both a wearable, backpack design and a mounted/fixed-site version to protect warfighters on foot, in vehicles, and in permanent structures. Warfighters know JCREW is working when IEDs don’t. Northrop Grumman delivered all contracted JCREW LRIP dismounted systems to the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). The systems are being used by both U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force personnel, and feedback from the field has been good.
The JCREW team has faced challenges that can arise when a new system is developed and produced from the ground up. However, the team has been buoyed by the feedback from theater, recent deliveries, and successful completion of all qualification testing for both dismounted and mounted systems. Northrop Grumman was awarded a JCREW full-rate production contract for $96.5 million. Under this contract, the company will deliver additional dismounted systems, mounted systems and spares to NAVSEA. The company also will provide engineering support services such as technical studies, tech refresh and depot repairs. 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.
