Northrop Grumman and Poland's WZL2 sign cooperation agreement

Northrop Grumman Corporation and Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 2 S.A. (WZL2) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce. The agreement sets a framework for industrial cooperation focused on enhancing Poland’s defense capabilities and strengthening interoperability with NATO allies.

The MOU outlines the possibility of introducing the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne command and control aircraft into Poland’s defense framework. It also opens opportunities for collaboration in workforce development, knowledge transfer, and other areas that could support long-term readiness.

Statements from company officials

Jane Bishop, vice president and general manager of global surveillance at Northrop Grumman, said:

“Given today’s complex threats to sovereign and allied integrity, the E-2D would provide Poland with additional technologies to advance missile and air defense superiority through increased detection range and quicker decision making as well as expanding the integration of allied defense resources.”

Krzysztof Krystowski, country director of Northrop Grumman Polska S.A., commented:

“Northrop Grumman has a long-term, strategic commitment to working with the Polish government and local defense industrial partners to provide capabilities that will sustain the nation’s sovereignty and increase its defense interoperability with NATO and allied countries. This memorandum not only expands our relationship with WZL2 but also creates the opportunity to easily further our relationship in the future.”

Jakub Gazda, chief executive officer of WZL2, added:

“Cooperation with Northrop Grumman opens new opportunities for technological development and knowledge sharing. This partnership enables us to better support the modernization of the Polish Armed Forces and enhance interoperability with our allies. We look forward to implementing joint initiatives.”

Background on the companies

Northrop Grumman has previously contributed to Poland’s defense modernization through the Integrated Battle Command System, Bushmaster Chain Guns and ammunition for Rosomak and Borsuk combat vehicles, and advanced radars for the F-16 fleet.

WZL2, part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa, is one of Poland’s largest aviation facilities. With nearly eight decades of experience, the company provides maintenance, modernization, and production support for military aircraft and engines.