Northrop Grumman makes the B-21 Raider stealth bomber (replacing the B-2), Space Launch System components, James Webb Space Telescope structures, and classified intelligence satellites. The B-21 is a sole-source contract - only Northrop can build it. Its space systems division makes the most sophisticated spy satellites ever launched. Northrop's classified portfolio means its most valuable work can never be fully disclosed.
Key relationships in depth
Northrop Grumman & Microsoft
Northrop Grumman uses Microsoft Azure for classified and unclassified cloud computing through Microsoft's Azure Government and Azure Government Secret cloud offerings. Northrop's digital transformation initiative uses Azure for enterprise applications, engineering simulation workloads, and secure collaboration tools across its 100,000+ employee workforce. Microsoft's DoD cloud contracts including JWCC (Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability) create strategic alignment between Northrop's customer base and Microsoft's cloud infrastructure.
Why it matters: Northrop's advanced programs require secure multi-level cloud architecture that meets DoD IL4, IL5, and IL6 data classification requirements. Azure Government Secret provides a classified environment for Northrop's most sensitive programs while Azure Commercial handles unclassified engineering and business operations. Microsoft 365 Government is deployed across Northrop's enterprise for collaboration on ITAR-controlled projects.
Northrop Grumman & Amazon
Northrop Grumman uses AWS GovCloud and AWS Top Secret cloud infrastructure for engineering simulations, high-performance computing, and secure data analytics. AWS has a long-standing relationship with the US intelligence community and DoD through its C2S contract and classified cloud services that Northrop's national security programs require. Northrop's space systems segment uses AWS for satellite ground systems data processing and mission analytics.
Why it matters: AWS's C2S (Commercial Cloud Services) contract with the CIA, awarded in 2013, established AWS as the trusted cloud provider for the most sensitive government workloads. Northrop's Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs require cloud infrastructure that meets compartmented information handling requirements, making AWS a natural choice given its head start in classified cloud over Azure and Google. AWS's proximity to the DoD and intelligence community creates commercial alignment for Northrop's largest contracts.
Northrop Grumman and RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies) are co-competitors and subcontractors in the US defense ecosystem. RTX supplies missile systems, communications technology, and sensors integrated into Northrop platforms. Northrop's Mission Systems segment and RTX's Raytheon division compete on electronic warfare, radar, and missile defense programs. Both companies won contracts under the Space Development Agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture satellite constellation program.
Why it matters: Modern weapons systems require integration of capabilities from multiple prime contractors. RTX's Raytheon division provides the AIM-120 AMRAAM and SM-6 missiles that integrate with Northrop's combat management systems on Navy platforms. Their complementary rather than identical technical portfolios create natural subcontracting relationships on complex defense programs worth billions annually.
Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are both major US defense prime contractors that frequently bid against each other for large government programs while also serving as each other's subcontractors on complex weapons systems. Northrop supplies advanced radar systems (AN/APY-9 for Lockheed's E-2D) and electronic warfare components integrated into Lockheed platforms. Both companies are key partners on NASA's Artemis program, with Northrop providing SLS solid rocket boosters and Lockheed building the Orion crew capsule.
Why it matters: The defense industrial base requires collaboration even among competitors because no single company possesses all required capabilities for modern weapons systems. The F-35 program led by Lockheed relies on Northrop Grumman for the center fuselage and distributed aperture system. These subcontracting relationships create substantial revenue streams even between direct competitors bidding on the same prime contracts.
Relationships are compiled by VexMap from company filings, announcements and reporting, and last reviewed September 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us. Not investment advice.