Northrop Grumman said in a statement that it had taken a "platinum membership with the Cyberspace Innovation Center to help shape future technology innovations in cyberspace."

"The mission of the center is to support cyber initiatives by promoting research, educational and technological innovation, and fostering collaborative and strategic alliances between governmental agencies, private industry and academic institutions," the company said.

"Northrop Grumman will bring advanced expertise in the cyberspace domain to support the goals of the Cyberspace Innovation Center," said Catherine Kuenzel, vice president of enterprise infrastructure services and solutions for Northrop Grumman's Information Technology sector. "This partnership will help strengthen the security of the U.S. government in cyberspace and protect the nation's critical infrastructures."

Northrop Grumman said it would be participating in "a community that helps protect the nation's interest in all cyber-related domains; assists government agencies in obtaining dominance in cyberspace; and stimulates innovation-based economic growth through strategic partnerships."

Northrop Grumman said its "presence in Bossier City provides cyber warrior training, research and development assistance, integration services, and intelligence and intelligence operations support to the Cyberspace Innovation Center and the U.S. Air Force Cyber Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, La."

Northrop Grumman describes itself as "a $31.5 billion global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide."