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
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![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.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
