Software-programmable jammers for protection from improvised explosive devices triggered by electronic signal are to be produced by Northrop Grumman.

The low-rate initial production contract for the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare, or JCREW, Increment 1 Block 1 was issued by the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command.

It is worth $213 million if all contract options are exercised. The contract's base value is $95 million.

"Prevailing where other companies in the industry faltered, our JCREW team proved this crucial capability -- so urgently needed in the field to protect our warfighters against current and emerging threats -- could be achieved. Now developed and validated, we couldn't be more elated and gratified JCREW will be deployed next year," said Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general manager, communications division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems.

"The system developed by Northrop Grumman is exceedingly more effective against a multitude of different IED threats than systems currently in the field.

"JCREW I1B1 also provides new capabilities that make the system easier to maintain and update for new threats."

Northrop Grumman's JCREW comes in three variants: mounted, dismounted and fixed-site. The system completed initial operational testing earlier this year.