General Dynamics snaps up $25m contract to boost US Air Force network security

General Dynamics Information Technology has been granted a task order to modernize the base network security of the U.S. Air Force, in a deal potentially worth $25 million.

The company, one of the largest defense contractors in the world, received the award under the Network-Centric Solutions (NETCENTS) contract and will spend the next two years improving network security for the U.S. military, according to a press release.

The U.S. firm will complete network management upgrades at the Air Force Integrated Network Operations and Security Centers, and will also work at the location of the Air Force's emergency response team. In addition, General Dynamics will be involved in firewall and automated security incident management projects, and will work to increase visibility into network traffic across the Air Force Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet).

The network upgrades will be performed at U.S. Air Force locations worldwide, as well as General Dynamics facilities in Needham, Mass., and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

"General Dynamics will leverage more than 20 years of experience designing and integrating cyber systems and networks for all components of the Department of Defense to offer the Air Force a cost-effective, reliable approach to meet the needs of this top priority cyber program," said Charlie Plummer, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology's IT Solutions sector. "We look forward to continuing our trusted partnership with the Air Force and supporting Air Force cyber mission objectives worldwide."

The defense contractor is the systems integrator for the Air Force NIPRNet Gateway Program, and also holds a number of additional contracts issued by the U.S. Air Force.