FARNBOROUGH, 11 July 2012 -- The Finmeccanica Cyber Solutions team selected in February 2012 to fulfil the NATO Computer Incident Response Capability (NCIRC) - Full Operating Capability (FOC) requirement, has completed the testing phase of the programme's Proof of Concept in line with the challenging timescale set by NATO.

NCIRC FOC will provide a highly adaptive and responsive system to help protect NATO from cyber-attacks against both its mobile and static Communication & Information Systems. This world-class team led by Finmeccanica (FNC IM, SIFI.MI), comprising its companies SELEX Elsag, SELEX Systems Integration and VEGA, together with its partner Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC), is leveraging its wealth of experience in addressing complex cyber-defence requirements.

The completion of the testing phase of the Proof of Concept, confirms that the programme continues to meet its objectives and demonstrates the value of the team's multi-national capability, leadership in the development and delivery of cyber defence solutions, and unrivalled experience of multi-domain cyber programmes for government and defence customers in the US, UK, Italy and other countries around the world.

Once delivered, NCIRC FOC will provide an agile, flexible and interoperable solution featuring advanced cyber defence systems to protect NATO static commands, crisis operations, NATO signal battalions, Article V Operations and the NATO Reaction Force.

"With the completion of the testing of the Proof of Concept, we have achieved an important stage in delivering the NCIRC FOC. This reflects the growing partnership between NATO, Finmeccanica and our Northrop Grumman partner," said Giuseppe Orsi, Chairman and CEO of Finmeccanica. "Through our chosen solution, NATO will be able to improve their capability to counter the ever increasing and sophisticated threat from cyber-attack.

"The successful achievement of this important milestone is a further step towards full implementation of NATO's CIRC capability and demonstrates the growing strength of the partnership we have established on this programme", said Mike Papay, Vice President Cyber Initiatives of Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "We look forward to continuing to apply the full range of our resources and decades-long cyber security experience both in the U.S and U.K., to ensure the successful delivery of this programme."

About Finmeccanica

Finmeccanica plays a leading role in the global aerospace and defence industry, and participates in some of the sector's biggest international programmes through its group companies and thanks to well-established alliances with European and US partners. A leader in the design and manufacture of helicopters, defence and security electronics, civil and military aircraft, aerostructures, satellites, space infrastructure and defence systems, Finmeccanica is Italy's leading high-tech company. It also boasts significant manufacturing assets and expertise in the transport and energy sectors; it is listed on the Milan stock exchange and operates via a number of group companies and joint ventures. Finmeccanica Cyber Solutions represents the best of the sovereign cyber security capability. For over 20 years, the combined capability of the Finmeccanica operating companies has helped ensure the highest levels of cyber security and information assurance for those responsible for national resilience, counter terrorism, and military interoperability.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is an industry leader in all aspects of computer network operations and cyber security and is at the forefront of the challenge to find innovative solutions that can effectively defend networks and offer protection across the entire cyber domain. The company is developing the next-generation of advanced cyber solutions: from policy, governance and requirements, to software application, network development, training and operational support, we are positioned at every level to respond to customers' cyber security needs.

Northrop Grumman has a well-established presence in the UK with specialist resources in cyber security and intelligence including at its Fareham facility, the first commercially available federated cyber test range in the UK.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information. 

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