AARGM-ER missile undergoes third live fire test
An Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) launch from a USN F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Photo: USN)
Following its latest test launch from a USN Super Hornet, AARGM-ER detected and engaged a land-based air defence system.
Northrop Grumman has completed a third live fire test of its AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) involving a USN F/A-18 Super Hornet at Point Mugu, California.
The ‘advanced emitter acquisition system’ on the AARGM-ER detected and engaged a land-based air defence system, the company added in a 21 July statement.
USN programme manager Capt A.C. Dutko said the missile ‘performed as expected’.
AARGM-ER is being integrated on USN F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, as well as F-35A/B/C aircraft.
Shephard Defence Insight expects IOC with AARGM-ER for Super Hornets in September 2023 but Dutko said the service requires AARGM-ER ‘now’.
Northrop Grumman obtained Milestone C LRIP authorisation for AARGM-ER in September 2021, and LRIP Lot 1 missiles are in production to support IOC fielding.
The company is also under contract to produce LRIP Lot 2 missiles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
