WASHINGTON - Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout vertical-take-off-and-landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle (UAV) is facing possible cancellation. Procurement by the U.S. Navy is dropping and this is driving up costs.
Due to these rising costs, the Pentagon must certify to Congress that the program is needed for national security and meets other conditions. Senior officials believe the program will survive. A final decision will not come until June 17.
The U.S. Navy will purchase 49 fewer Fire Scout air vehicles. The service is switching its procurement to the larger C model version of the Fire Scout which uses a Bell Helicopter platform.
Northrop Grumman officials say the U.S. Navy remains committed to the Fire Scout program. A number of other U.S. defense programs are also facing budget cuts.
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