UTC Aerospace Systems (Chalet 346) and Northrop Grumman announced here at the Paris Air Show a collaborative effort to launch “a new era of coordinated technology development,” aligning their technology investments on key products and systems for joint customers, the companies said.

“Northrop Grumman is forward-thinking on a new approach to working with key suppliers to find win-win arrangements that produce the best results for our two companies, and for our end customers,” said Dave Gitlin, president of U.S.-based UTC. “This is the beginning of a shared vision built on customer needs. This is all about accelerating innovation.”

“Our goal is to leverage each other’s strengths, and together fine-tune our focus and investments,” said Greg Manuel, Northrop Grumman’s v-p, global supply chain.

Meanwhile, UTC, a division of United Technologies, is also celebrating the 200th spacewalk at the International Space Station (ISS) performed by NASA astronauts Peggy Whitson and Jack Fischer on May 12. The UTC-made space suits they wore—the Extravehicular Mobility Unit—is the same design used by U.S. astronauts on 151 spacewalks in support of ISS assembly and maintenance. The EMUs provide oxygen, thermal control and power for electronics, including suit health monitoring, while removing carbon dioxide. Originally designed to support two-week shuttle missions, EMUs now remain on orbit for approximately six years.