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Northrop Grumman Flying High After Winning U.S. Air Force Contract

LINTHICUM, Md. (WJZ) -- It's a win that keeps thousands of jobs in Maryland, and Tuesday, workers at Northrop Grumman did a little celebrating.

Alex DeMetrick reports the company is flying high after winning a huge contract.

It was a celebration at Northrop Grumman's electronic systems facility in Linthicum.

"The U.S. Air Force selected the right company to prime the long range strike bomber," said Gloria Flach, president, electronic systems sector.

Right now, that bomber is mostly a special effect in a Northrop Grumman promo, but it's the company's track record with the stealth bomber that helped beat out the competition.

The new bomber's mission:

"Carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as the strategic agility our nation needs to respond to emerging threats in an uncertain future," said Gen. Mark Welsh III, U.S. Air Force chief of staff.

Building the next generation plane could mean $100 billion over the life of the contract. The Linthicum facility will share in that work and reward.

"It is a big deal," said Rep. Elijah Cummings, (D) Maryland.

Just how big a deal? For Maryland and the local economy, it's a huge win.

"This contract is going to result in a significant expansion of operations here at Northrop Grumman in Anne Arundel County," said Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh.

"It's going to mean a lot of work for a number of years and the next generation bomber," said Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, (R) Maryland.

At least ten years before the real thing unveils.

Northrop Grumman is Maryland's largest manufacturer.

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