Global Power Made in America: Northrop Grumman Makes it in Illinois

Manufactured in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Northrop Grumman's LITENING is an advanced Electro Optical/Infrared Targeting technology that provides aviators and ground forces a high-definition view of the battlespace, day or night. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Within its one million-square-foot, cutting-edge facility in northwest suburban Chicago, Northrop Grumman's Rolling Meadows location solidifies its position as the largest defense industry employer in Illinois. This facility plays a pivotal role in advancing electronic warfare, survivability systems and space technologies while providing thousands of jobs, ensuring that Illinois remains a hub for premier aerospace and defense solutions.

Here's how Northrop Grumman is shaping the future from Illinois:

• A Hub for Innovation and Manufacturing
  Rolling Meadows is one of Northrop Grumman's most technologically advanced locations, featuring advanced digital engineering tools, automation and robotics and precision manufacturing capabilities. Designed to meet the most stringent customer requirements, the site integrates development, testing and production under one roof to ensure seamless delivery of mission-critical systems.

Northrop Grumman's Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), manufactured in Rolling Meadows, is a 5th generation aircraft survivability system that's a trusted technology of the U.S. Army and approved for export. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

• Strengthening Illinois' Economy
  Northrop Grumman's economic impact in Illinois extends far beyond Rolling Meadows. According to a recent study, the company employs over 3,000 people in Illinois and is responsible for a more than $2 billion statewide economic impact. Northrop Grumman has invested $253 million with over 250 Illinois-based suppliers, strengthening its strong network of Illinois business partnerships.
  
  At Rolling Meadows, Northrop Grumman's employees are passionate about giving back to the community. Through company and employee giving - as well as thousands of volunteer service hours - they help individuals of all backgrounds and military families to overcome barriers like financial difficulties while increasing access to education and meaningful careers in the tech workforce. These efforts reinforce Northrop Grumman's commitment to creating positive impacts where its employees live and work.

• Shaping the Future of Defense from Illinois
  Northrop Grumman's Rolling Meadows operation is a cornerstone of Illinois' contribution to national security and aerospace innovation. By delivering cutting-edge technologies, strengthening the local economy, and giving back to the community, Northrop Grumman exemplifies how a single development and manufacturing center can have a significant impact, both locally and on a global scale.
  
  From advanced electronic warfare systems to discriminating space capabilities to infrared countermeasures innovations shielding our armed forces from emerging threats, Northrop Grumman is driving the future of defense technology from Illinois.

Northrop Grumman builds the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) - the most advanced electronic warfare system for the F-16 - in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. (Photo Credit: Northop Grumman)

• Delivering Advanced Defense Technologies
  Rolling Meadows is at the forefront of delivering vital defense systems that enable mission success for warfighters. Key capabilities and programs include:
  • Electronic Warfare Systems: Innovative tools designed to help our forces detect and counter threats in the electromagnetic spectrum, ensuring our warfighters have the advantage in complex environments. Our Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) exemplifies this commitment, offering advanced protection for fourth-generation aircraft such as the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon.
  • Aircraft Survivability: The facility develops sophisticated warning systems and countermeasures including the Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM) and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems, protecting aircraft and their crews from potential hazards in combat zones.
  • Electro Optical/Infrared Targeting: The advanced targeting technologies created here give aviators and ground forces a high-definition view of the battlespace, day or night. Our LITENING Advanced Targeting Pod detects, acquires, identifies and tracks targets at extended ranges. LITENING enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, air superiority, close air support, surveillance and humanitarian assistance.
  • Space Technologies: Rolling Meadows supports vital programs that enhance national security and promote advancements in space exploration, ensuring that our capabilities keep pace with modern challenges.

With nearly 100,000 employees and over 30 million square feet of manufacturing space - more than 500 football fields - Northrop Grumman has the capacity, scale, and agility to drive innovation at unprecedented speeds. The company's manufacturing approach isn't just about flawless production - it was developed to accelerate and enhance the entire process from design and development to production and testing. The company has invested in U.S. infrastructure, R&D, its workforce, and supply chain to deliver the national security needs of today and for tomorrow.