AARGM-ER to be integrated with F-35A
USAF believes the missile has an advanced SEAD capability
The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has awarded Lockheed Martin a $9.33 million sole-source contract to integrate the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) into the F-35A.
The DoD did not disclose a completion date for this work in announcing the contract on 23 November.
Manufactured by MBDA and Northrop Grumman, AARGM-ER is being developed for inclusion in the USN air-to-surface missile inventory, but the USAF believes it will provide the F-35A with an advanced suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) capability.
The baseline AGM-88E AARGM has a range of about 110km and an engagement speed in excess of Mach 2+, but precise performance specifications for AARGM-ER remain undisclosed for the time being.
The extended-range missile is to be integrated on the F/A‐18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, with an IOC expected in FY2023. Shephard Defence Insight noted that USN F-35C and USMC F-35B aircraft have also been earmarked to carry AARGM-ER.
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