In a move that redefines the economics and capability of airborne sensing, Northrop Grumman has unveiled Valen, its latest-generation multifunction Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA). More than just a radar, Valen is a complete sensor fusion suite, engineered to deliver a decisive tactical advantage to U.S. and allied forces across every domain, from the stratosphere to the surface.
Valen represents a paradigm shift in sensor design. By consolidating radar, electronic warfare, and secure communications into a single, elegant aperture, it eliminates the need for multiple, bulky systems. This wideband array achieves this without compromising performance; in fact, its groundbreaking design makes it lighter, smaller, and more affordable than the legacy systems it is built to replace. This versatility makes it ideal for a new generation of crewed and uncrewed platforms operating in contested environments.
The development of Valen is a testament to strategic, independent investment. Funded entirely through Northrop Grumman’s internal research and development, Valen leverages decades of combat-proven AESA heritage. However, its creation is firmly rooted in the future. The array is brought to life through advanced 3D printing and a fully digital design process, dramatically accelerating production timelines and allowing Northrop Grumman to deliver capability at an unprecedented pace.
At the heart of Valen’s exceptional performance is a marvel of miniaturization. Engineers at the Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center have utilized advanced packaging techniques to combine numerous discrete semiconductor components into a single, powerful micro-package. This sophisticated integration allows the device to process data faster, operate at cooler temperatures, and consume significantly less power, all within a drastically reduced footprint. This leap in efficiency provides warfighters with superior performance without taxing their platform’s power and cooling systems.
Furthermore, Valen is built for the future of warfare, which is defined by rapid adaptability. Its underlying hardware and software architecture adheres to the latest open-architecture standards. This ensures that Valen can seamlessly integrate advanced capabilities from across Northrop Grumman’s portfolio and, critically, allows for rapid, iterative updates to counter evolving threats. This design philosophy ensures the system remains as agile and dynamic as the missions it supports.
“Our warfighters require advanced situational awareness no matter what platform they’re operating,” said Krys Moen, vice president of advanced mission capabilities at Northrop Grumman. “Valen’s design embodies the future of warfare—integrating cutting-edge technology, adaptability and affordability to enable quick decision making and effective mission execution.” By packing the power of a next-generation sensor into a compact, lightweight design, Valen is poised to deliver the tactical edge from the sky to space.
