Northrop Grumman Corp. said it received a $69 million contract to develop and test the Army’s communications network, plus a separate, smaller contract in Brazil.

The communication system would provide soldiers with faster and more reliable exchange of data through ground, airborne and satellite networks, the Los Angeles defense contractor said late Tuesday. The contract is with the Army’s Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center

Separately, Northrop said its Europe-based air traffic control systems subsidiary, Park Air Systems, has been awarded a contract by the Brazilian Airspace Control System Implementation Commission to supply and install extended-range communication stations at multiple locations across Southern Brazil. The contract is valued at $19 million.

Northrop shares were down 27 cents, or less than 1 percent, to $38.12 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange.