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
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule]()
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
