The U.S. Navy has selected Northrop Grumman Corporation for the initial phase of the Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) program. SSL-TM is a research and development project to mature solid-state, high-power laser weapon systems and components for ship defense. This selection is the first step in the development of a Prototype Laser Weapon System by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). This developmental effort will pave the way for a future Navy program that will integrate laser weapon systems on existing and future ships.

Northrop Grumman Corporation announced it has appointed Christine McGlade and Andrew W. Reynolds vice presidents of manufacturing operations and site managers for the company's aircraft integration centers of excellence in St. Augustine, Fla., and Palmdale, Calif., respectively. In her new role, McGlade will be responsible for managing and integrating all manufacturing and support operations at the St. Augustine site in coordination with the company's various aircraft programs and other functional organizations. For the immediate future, she also will lead production of the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft. The site produces, modifies, repairs and overhauls military aircraft and subassemblies. Most recently, she served as program director for the St. Augustine site's E-2/C-2 international programs, and as deputy program director for Navy E-2D production. Reynolds will manage and integrate all manufacturing and support operations at the Palmdale site in coordination with the manufacturing center's multiple programs and functional organizations. The site assembles, integrates, tests and maintains some of the world's most advanced aircraft, including the F-35, B-2 Spirit and RQ-4 Global Hawk. For the immediate future, Reynolds also will continue to serve in his current role as the production leader for Northrop Grumman Aerospace System's portion of the F-35 program. Reynolds brings more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing and production operations to his new role. His previous assignments include director of manufacturing operations and deputy site manager for the Palmdale site.

Qantas Airways Limited (ASX:QAN) is reportedly in talks with potential buyers to sell Qantas Defence Services Pty Limited. BAE Systems plc (LSE:BA.) and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) are potential buyers being targeted by Qantas Airways. The sale is expected to generate between AUD 80 million and AUD 100 million for Qantas Airways.