San Antonio is taking another major step in its growth as the country's leading Cyber Security center, as the giant military contractor Northrup Grumman has chosen Port San Antonio as the home for operations to develop and deploy the U.S. Air Force Cyber Million Platform, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
It's the first part of a multi year contract which could be worth $37 million to the firm.
Linnie Haynesworth, vice president and general manager of the cyber and intelligence mission solutions division of Northrup Grumman, says the goal is not only to block computer attacks and provide the Air Force with a powerful and credible deterrent, but also to allow the military to work through any cyber attack.
"We must also be prepared with strategies and tactics to recover from cyber attacks, which are inevitable in our climate today," Haynesworth told the dedication of the new facility.
Northrup Grumman's San Antonio operations will also support the 24th Air Force and the Air Force Space Command.
"Our military must know, even in the presence of a system under attack, that the United States will complete its mission," Haynesworth said. "Cyber resiliency is that capability."
She said the CMP being developed by Grumman will 'help warfighters respond more quickly to emerging requirements and facilitate shorter development time.'
"Our agile approach will greatly increase the Air Force's ability to ensure a strong deterrent force in the face of an ever-changing threat.
"Several Northrup Grumman officials cited San Antonio's robust existing cyber security operations, especially at Port San Antonio, for its decision to locate the facility here.
San Antonio over the past several years has created a large and growing industry based both on civilian and military computer security. San Antonio is the second largest city in the country, behind Washington DC, for cyber security professionals.