Northrop Grumman Finalist for 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida

• 7 October 2026
• Category: Economic Development Economic Prosperity SJC News
• Tags: 2026

Public encouraged to vote daily through Oct. 23 for E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

St. Johns County is encouraging residents to support Northrop Grumman and its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, which has been named one of two finalists in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition. Residents can vote once per day through Oct. 23 at coolestthingmadeinflorida.com.

During the Oct. 6 St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting, Vice Chair Ann Taylor highlighted Northrop Grumman’s recognition and encouraged residents to support the St. Johns County-based manufacturer through the public voting process.

The annual competition, presented by the Florida Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Florida Department of Commerce, celebrates Florida-made products and the manufacturers, workers, and innovation behind them. The 2026 competition began with 125 nominated products representing all 67 Florida counties before public voting narrowed the field to two finalists.

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is designed and assembled in Florida, with high-skilled technicians in St. Augustine using advanced manufacturing technologies, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality.

The aircraft serves as a flying command-and-control center, connecting military platforms and coordinating information during operations. Northrop Grumman describes the E-2D as the only original-design command-and-control aircraft in the U.S. military inventory.

“Northrop Grumman is an important part of St. Johns County’s economy, providing skilled career opportunities and helping build a strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing industry,” said Christine Valliere, Director of Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs for St. Johns County. “The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, assembled right here in St. Augustine, showcases our talented local workforce and the role our community plays in protecting our nation. We’re proud to see their work recognized among the final two contenders for the ‘Coolest Thing Made in Florida’ this year and encourage everyone to show their support by voting through Oct. 23.”

The winner will be announced Oct. 28 at the 2026 Future of Florida Forum & Florida Chamber Annual Meeting in Orlando.

Now in its second year, the Coolest Thing Made in Florida competition highlights the products, manufacturers, and ingenuity contributing to Florida’s economy and long-term competitiveness. The competition supports the Florida Chamber’s Florida 2030 Blueprint goal of making Florida a top-five state for manufacturing jobs by 2030.