Northrop Grumman Systems has received a $262 million contract from the Naval Air Systems Command.

Northrop will develop, build and test two vertical take-off and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicles. And it will produce six other VT-UAVs.

Northrop will provide parts for an endurance upgrade and rapid deployment project for existing vehicles, which are essentially unmanned helicopters. Work under the latest contract will be finished in May 2014. Most of it will be done at Moss Point, Miss., and in San Diego.

This story is part of Federal News Radio’s daily DoD Report brought to you by United Health Military and Veterans Services. For more defense news,

        Learn how federal agencies are preparing to help agencies gear up for AI in our latest Executive Briefing, sponsored by ThunderCat Technology.