Ghostrider gunships receive upgraded EW countermeasure
AC-130J Ghostrider gunship at Kadena Air Base in Japan, 29 March 2021. (Photo: USAF/Capt Renee Douglas)
ALQ-251 RFCM systems aboard AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft are designed to protect against EW systems and radar-guided weapons in contested environments.
The ALQ-251 RF countermeasure (RFCM) system from Northrop Grumman has been delivered to US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as part of an AC-130J aircraft upgrade led by Sierra Nevada Corporation.
The ALQ-251 ‘will provide superior situational awareness and protection against electronic warfare systems and radar-guided weapons in contested and congested electromagnetic spectrum environments’, Northrop Grumman noted in a 1 March announcement.
USSOCOM in July 2020 awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation a $700 million contract to act as prime systems integrator for the RFCM upgrade on AC-130J Ghostrider gunships and MC-130J Commando II tanker aircraft, to help protect aircrew from air- and land-based enemy radar and missile systems.
The deal includes RFCM system engineering services, logistics support and spare parts.
BAE Systems was the previous RFCM system provider for the AC-130J and MC-130J, having been awarded a contract in January 2016.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
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)]()
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]()
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]()
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.
-
![Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?]()
Can laser-guided rockets and light aircraft help tackle the CUAS cost-curve?
While the move to integrate lower-cost missiles onto more combat aircraft is long overdue, there is also an opportunity for cheaper turboprop platforms to perform CUAS roles.
