A huge boost to the city's image as a cyber security hub, as the giant defense contractor Northrup Grumman has signed a five year lease on a 7700 square foot building, to expand its computer security operations at Port San Antonio, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"This just underscores the confidence that the company has in both the port and in our community," Port San Antonio spokesman Paco Felici said. "Clearly, they are seeing very important opportunities ahead for growth."
Northrup Grumman said the expansion is part of an agreement with the U.S. Air Force to 'help warfighters respond more quickly to emerging requirements and facilitate shorter development time.'
“We are honored to support the Air Force in fielding this critical warfighting platform,” said Linnie Haynesworth, vice president and general manager, cyber and intelligence mission solutions division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “CMP enables rapid integration of cyberspace capabilities, enhancing how warfighters can respond to the dynamic and evolving mission environment. Our agile approach will greatly increase the Air Force’s ability to ensure a strong deterrent force in the face of an ever-changing cyber threat.”
Northrup's expansion is seen as a major step in San Antonio's already strong image as a world class leader in cyber security, a reputation which has already begun paying off with the development of private sector computer security firms springing up here.
The 24th Air Force, plus robust cyber security programs at UTSA and St. Mary's University, coupled with infrastructure created by USAA and AT&T have created a critical mass of cyber security experts who will be needed to fight what Felici says is clearly a growing problem.
"Listen to the headlines every morning, you know that cyber security is a very real threat."Northrup has yet to reveal how many new employees will be added due to its expansion. The contract with the Air Force could be good for three years.
The expansion also cements Port San Antonio, which is the former Kelly Air Force Base, as a center for aerospace and private cyber security and scientific expansion.