International Business / The Pacific

Daimler, Northrop Team Up on NATO Project: Daimler-Benz Corp. said its aerospace unit, Dasa, joined Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp. as the main partner in the Joint STARS airborne ground surveillance system, which is bidding for a contract by NATO. The two companies have signed a cooperation agreement if the system is selected by NATO, Daimler-Benz Aerospace announced at the Berlin air show. The Joint STARS aircraft are already used by the U.S. military, which used early versions in the Gulf War and in Bosnia and is expected to buy 20 for its military operations, Dasa said. Northrop Grumman is the main contractor in the project and Dasa is now responsible for contracting among European companies.