Since deploying to Afghanistan in 2011, the MQ-8 Fire Scout system has provided real-time airborne surveillance and targeting supporting counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs), provided targeting support and delivered real-time video to military forces on the ground. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor on the Navy's Fire Scout program. In 2011, the Navy contracted with Northrop Grumman to support Fire Scout deployment to Afghanistan and provide local commanders with real-time intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capability. In the 28 months of deployment, the Navy-Northrop Grumman team provided 5,084 hours of support to U.S. and allied forces.

Additionally, Northrop Grumman is under contract to the Navy to build the first eight of 30 planned Endurance Upgrade Fire Scouts. Those aircraft, which have been designated the MQ-8C, will have twice the endurance, three times the payload capability, and will be ready for operation next year. Combined with testing and Fire Scout's six at-sea deployments aboard Navy frigates, the system has eclipsed 10,000 flight hours supporting naval and ground commanders with critical intelligence-gathering capabilities to respond to threats.