Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has received a full-rate production contract from the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command for its AN/SPQ-9B shipboard radar systems, which will enhance detection and tracking of high-speed threats such as sea-skimming anti-ship missiles.

Under the fixed-price $26.2 million contract, Northrop Grumman’s Naval and Marine Systems Division facility in Melville, N.Y., will supply four shipsets. The contract includes options that could bring the total value to $281.5 million. The options encompass a wide range of U.S. aircraft carriers, cruisers and amphibious assault ships, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutter.

The high-resolution X-band AN/SPQ-9B search radar sets will greatly improve the ability to defend against small high-speed threats, such as surface-skimming anti-ship missiles, and will be integrated with the ships’ fire-control systems. The multi-mission radar systems are designed to detect small fast-moving targets in the presence of clutter from ocean waves, rain and land returns, as well as chaff and jamming.

“The AN/SPQ-9B radars will make an important contribution to the fleet’s ability to operate in littoral waters where land and sea clutter often limit the tracking and detection capabilities of search radars,” said Jeffrey L. Holloway, director of business development and marketing for Northrop Grumman’s Maritime Systems business unit.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.