Key Stats
Northrop Grumman generated annual revenue of $41.03 billion in 2024.
The company employs 97,000 people across aerospace and defense sectors.
Market capitalization reached approximately $86.42 billion as of October 2025.
Founded by Jack Northrop in 1939 as Northrop Aircraft Company.
Headquarters located in Falls Church, Virginia serving global customers.
Northrop Grumman stands as a major player in global aerospace and defense technology. The company emerged from the 1994 merger between Northrop Corporation and Grumman Aerospace Corporation. Both companies brought decades of aviation expertise and military manufacturing excellence.
Today, Northrop Grumman operates through four primary business sectors. These include Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. Each sector delivers specialized solutions for national security and commercial applications.
The company focuses on autonomous systems, cyber capabilities, and advanced weapons platforms. Its portfolio spans everything from stealth bombers to satellite systems. Northrop Grumman serves primarily U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, but also maintains international partnerships.
Northrop Grumman History
Northrop Grumman Co-founders
Jack Northrop
Founded Northrop Aircraft in 1939. Pioneered flying wing designs and led the company through World War II production. Developed innovative aircraft including the P-61 Black Widow.
Leroy Grumman
Established Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation in 1929. Focused on naval aviation and produced iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat. Built reputation for rugged, reliable military aircraft.
Northrop Grumman Revenue
Northrop Grumman posted $41.03 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2024. This represented a 4.44 percent increase compared to the previous year. Revenue growth reflects strong demand for defense systems and aerospace products across government and international markets.
Northrop Grumman Acquisitions
Northrop Grumman transformed through strategic acquisitions over three decades. The 1994 merger with Grumman Aerospace for $2.1 billion created the foundation. This combination united two storied aviation companies with complementary strengths in military aircraft and naval systems.
The company acquired Westinghouse’s defense electronics business in 1996 for $2.9 billion. This move enhanced electronic warfare and radar capabilities. Northrop Grumman then purchased Litton Industries in 2001 for $5.1 billion, entering shipbuilding and defense electronics. That same year brought Newport News Shipbuilding into the portfolio, making Northrop the sole designer of nuclear aircraft carriers.
TRW Inc. joined in 2002 through a $7.8 billion acquisition. This deal strengthened space systems and information technology capabilities. The aerospace giant added Orbital ATK in 2018 for $9.2 billion, gaining rocket motors, launch vehicles, and ammunition production. Each acquisition expanded technical capabilities and customer reach across defense domains.
Northrop Grumman Marketcap
Northrop Grumman’s market capitalization reached approximately $86.42 billion in October 2025. The valuation reflects investor confidence in defense spending and contract backlog growth. Market cap has grown substantially since 1998 when it stood at just $5.59 billion.
Northrop Grumman Competitors
Northrop Grumman faces intense competition across aerospace and defense sectors. Major defense contractors vie for government contracts worth billions of dollars. The competitive landscape includes both domestic and international firms with diverse specializations.
| Company | Primary Focus | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin | Aerospace, Defense Systems | Bethesda, MD |
| Boeing | Commercial Aircraft, Defense | Chicago, IL |
| Raytheon Technologies | Missiles, Defense Electronics | Waltham, MA |
| General Dynamics | Naval Systems, Combat Vehicles | Reston, VA |
| BAE Systems | Defense Electronics, Naval | Farnborough, UK |
| L3Harris Technologies | Communications, Electronics | Melbourne, FL |
| Thales | Defense Electronics, Aerospace | Paris, France |
| Leidos | Information Technology, Engineering | Reston, VA |
| SAIC | Technology Services, Systems | Reston, VA |
| Airbus Defence and Space | Military Aircraft, Space | Leiden, Netherlands |
FAQs
What does Northrop Grumman manufacture?
Northrop Grumman manufactures military aircraft, unmanned systems, spacecraft, missiles, radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, cybersecurity solutions, and naval systems for defense and commercial customers worldwide.
When was Northrop Grumman founded?
Jack Northrop founded Northrop Aircraft Company in 1939. The modern company formed in 1994 when Northrop Corporation acquired Grumman Aerospace Corporation for $2.17 billion.
Where is Northrop Grumman headquartered?
Northrop Grumman maintains headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. The company operates facilities across all 50 U.S. states and in 25 countries worldwide serving government and commercial clients.
How many employees work at Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman employed 97,000 people as of December 2024. The workforce decreased by 4,000 employees compared to the previous year, representing a 3.96 percent reduction.
What is Northrop Grumman’s largest program?
The B-21 Raider stealth bomber represents Northrop Grumman’s largest program. The Air Force awarded the contract in 2015 with initial value of $21.4 billion, potentially reaching $80 billion.