Schelde Naval Shipbuilding has placed an order with Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Sperry Marine business unit for a complete suite of bridge electronics to be installed on a new buoy tender being built for the Middle East Navigation Aids Service (MENAS).

Sperry Marine will supply a fully integrated bridge system with electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), dual interswitched BridgeMaster E radars, voyage data recorder, automatic identification system, dual gyrocompasses, autopilot, dual-axis Doppler speed log, echosounder, dual DGPS receivers, GMDSS A3 communication station, Fleet 77 satellite communication terminal, helicopter beacon and helicopter radio. Sperry Marine will also provide support for installation, commissioning, sea trials and operator training.

The new 2,500 gross ton buoy tender (NB 394) is under construction at the Schelde Naval Shipbuilding yard in Vlissingen, Holland, and is scheduled for completion in 2004. While the ship is designed primarily as a buoy tender, the capability has been extended to be able to carry out hydrographic surveys, oil pollution control and clean-up activities.

Sperry Marine, with worldwide headquarters in Charlottesville, Va., is part of Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector. The business unit provides smart navigation and ship control solutions for the international marine industry under the

Sperry Marine, Decca and C. Plath brand names, with customer service and support through offices in 16 countries, sales representatives in 47 countries, and authorized service depots in more than 250 locations worldwide.

Headquartered in Baltimore, Md., Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of defense and commercial electronic systems including airborne radar systems, navigation systems, electronic warfare systems, precision weapons, airspace management systems, air defense systems, communications systems, space systems, marine systems, oceanic and naval systems, government systems, and logistics services.