Warden told analysts on October 20 that allied defense budgets were in a multiyear upswing, with demand spanning munitions, missile defense, sensors, and crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Northrop is pursuing those opportunities alongside its major U.S. programs.
“These demand signals give us confidence in our goal to double international sales by 2031,” Warden said. She identified international orders as an important factor in how quickly the company’s sales will grow over the next several years.
Some of that business could contribute in 2027 or fall into 2028, depending on when contracts are signed and begin generating revenue. Warden said the pace of awards and Northrop’s ability to increase production would influence where results fall within its growth outlook.
Autonomous aircraft are among the products Northrop is offering to U.S. and international customers. Warden said the company was working towards affordability and manufacturing at scale, which she expects to be priorities for buyers across both markets.
She also reported demand signals from key allies for a gun-based air-defense system combining Bushmaster chain gun technology with precision-guided 50 mm ammunition. Warden described the product as a response to drone swarms and cruise missiles, without naming prospective customers or announcing orders.
Chief Financial Officer John Greene said growing international sales would also support margins, alongside cost efficiency and a shift towards production as development programs mature. Northrop expects companywide sales growth of 5% to 7% in 2027, with Warden anticipating a higher growth rate in 2028 but declining to specify a figure.
