The UK government has awarded a seven-year framework contract to US-based security company Northrop Grumman, in which the company will provide cyber security solutions.

According to the contract, Northrop Grumman will be supplying engineering and development services in support of data security and information assurance to the government.

Northrop Grumman Europe CEO Andrew Tyler said that the company has established a growing presence in the UK and is expanding its reach in the country by building new facilities.

The company has set up an Advanced Cyber Technology Centre of Excellence in England, which is a global collaboration initiative to provide high-end cyber solutions to customers.

Northrop Grumman has also partnered with Cyber Security Challenge UK to launch a youth-based cyber defence competition, CyberCenturion, to inspire the new generation to join the cyber security work force.

Northrop Grumman Information Systems president Kathy Warden said: "As a long-standing partner with the UK government, we are proud to have been selected to support the security of their digital domain and the protection of its citizens."

"With more than 30 years of cyber security expertise that has been developed and deployed around the world, we look forward to continuing our work with some of the brightest industry and academic minds to deliver world class operational performance, scaled to the mission, and to increase our U.K.-based workforce that will support cyber innovators of the future."