DoD picks Alliant Techsystems to enhance AARGM capabilities
Orbital ATK is to develop new technology to increase the capability of the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) family of air-to-surface missiles, the US DoD announced on 31 August.
Under an $80.96 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Orbital ATK is tasked with running technology demonstrations, product improvement initiatives, technology insertion and transition activities, integration and testing of various warfare systems, mission analysis and mission architecture development.
‘Additionally, this effort will provide recommendations in support of Concept of Operations development and military utility analysis,’ the DoD added.
Work will be performed in Northridge, California, for completion in August 2025.
Northrop Grumman is teamed with MBDA to provide the AGM-88E to US and approved allied customers (Australia and Italy).
In June, Northrop Grumman reported it had completed verification tests for the extended-range variant of AARGM.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
-
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.