Northrop Grumman’s $3.5B E-130J Deal Spurs $350M Subcontractor Growth
Long Wave tripled its workforce to 300 in about 18 months after securing a $350 million subcontract from Northrop Grumman’s $3.5 billion E-130J Phoenix II program to develop training systems. The Oklahoma City-based firm has expanded its headquarters by 10,000 square feet to accommodate the growth.
1. Contract Award and Scope
Long Wave secured a $350 million subcontract role within Northrop Grumman’s $3.5 billion E-130J Phoenix II program, tasked with developing system engineering and training systems for pilots, Navy officers and aircrew. The prime contract covers next-generation airborne nuclear command, control and communications capabilities essential to strategic deterrence.
2. Workforce Expansion and Facilities
The subcontract award drove Long Wave’s headcount from 100 to 300 employees in about 18 months, with over 200 new hires brought in from across the country and locally. To support this surge, the company added 10,000 square feet of office and lab space at its Oklahoma City headquarters to house engineering teams and training facilities.
3. Strategic Program Impact
This engagement elevates Long Wave from a specialized Very Low Frequency communications provider to a major defense contractor on the E-130J platform, which will replace the aging E-6B Mercury fleet. The program’s emphasis on continuity of nuclear command authority positions both Long Wave and Northrop Grumman for sustained involvement in future defense modernization efforts.