Northrop Grumman has officially launched Valen, the latest advancement in its portfolio of active electronically scanned array (AESA) systems. Designed to deliver a decisive tactical advantage, this new sensor is engineered to meet the demands of modern, multi-domain operations across crewed and uncrewed platforms.
Valen represents a significant evolution in sensor design, consolidating the critical functions of radar, electronic warfare, and communications into a single, streamlined unit. Its architecture is notably lighter, smaller, and more cost-effective than previous-generation systems, making it suitable for a diverse range of platforms operating from the sky to space. This versatility ensures that warfighters, regardless of their vehicle, have access to superior situational awareness.
The development of Valen was entirely self-funded by Northrop Grumman, leveraging decades of expertise in combat-proven AESA technology. The company has also integrated cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to accelerate its delivery. By utilizing 3D-printing and a fully digital design process, the production timeline for Valen is significantly reduced, allowing for faster deployment to the field.
At the heart of Valen’s exceptional performance is the advanced work being done at the Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center. The system employs sophisticated packaging techniques that consolidate numerous semiconductor components into a single, miniature package. This miniaturization yields substantial benefits: the system operates faster, maintains cooler temperatures, and consumes less power, all within a drastically reduced footprint.
True to its forward-looking design, Valen is built on open-architecture standards. This ensures that both its hardware and software can be rapidly updated and can seamlessly integrate advanced sensor capabilities from across the company. This flexibility guarantees the system can adapt quickly to emerging threats and new technologies.
“Today’s warfighters need advanced awareness, no matter the platform they are on,” said Krys Moen, vice president of advanced mission capabilities at Northrop Grumman. “Valen’s design captures the essence of future warfare by blending cutting-edge technology with adaptability and affordability. It’s about enabling faster decisions and effective mission execution. Its compact, lightweight form not only cuts production time but delivers a highly capable product to those who need it, faster.”
