Northrop Grumman and Thales to Market CMS

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Electronic Systems sector and Thales Nederland B.V. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to market and produce a Combat Management System (CMS) targeting the global small surface ship combatant market with near-term objectives being the U.S. Coast Guard and the Egyptian Navy foreign military sales program. Based on the Thales TACTICOS CMS family currently installed on board more than 70 naval ships in 11 countries, this MOU is a baseline agreement from which further definitive program specific agreements may emerge. Those further agreements will enable combatants to have immediate access to a cost effective CMS source. A CMS integrates all of the shipboard sensors as well as providing surveillance of air, surface and subsurface data, compiling them into a tactical picture that provides the most current data to enable the commanding officer to make effective, time critical decisions, and perform actual target engagement. "Combining the capabilities of Thales and Northrop Grumman provides the latest CMS technology and proven solutions at an affordable price tailored for surface combatants," said Don Hairston, Director of Northrop Grumman's Advanced Maritime Programs. "Because the technology is already demonstrated on platforms of all sizes, system development costs don't play a factor, thereby making the CMS an attractive, as well as, affordable solution."