NAVAIR orders more AARGM-ER missiles
AARGM-ER missile. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The USN is to receive additional 16 all-up AARGM-ER rounds by December 2024.
Northrop Grumman subsidiary Alliant Techsystems Operations is to supply the USN with more LRIP Lot 2 AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile - Extended Range (AARGM-ER) air-launched munitions.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded a $45.66 million contract modification, the DoD announced on 13 December.
Work will be completed by December 2024 and includes the production and delivery of 16 all-up rounds; six training missiles; four built-in test reprogramming units and interface devices; initial spares; and required manufacturing supplies and support.
The AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35C; the Air Force’s F-35A; and the Marine Corps’ F-35B.
It has been modified so that it is shorter in length than the AARGM and can fit in the internal weapons bay of F-35As and F-35Cs.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, AARGM-ER is scheduled to achieve IOC on Super Hornets in September 2023, following a test programme with 15 to 17 live-fire tests.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal]()
V-22 Osprey safety upgrade moves towards wider fleet installation under $35.5 million deal
Bell Boeing will supply 73 additional ODSSHI kits as NAVAIR prepares to introduce predictive drive-system monitoring across US and Japanese V-22 fleets.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
![Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad]()
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
![India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist]()
India’s rotary-wing capability gap grows as IMRH programme delays persist
With IMRH and DBMRH potentially years from service, India faces a widening rotary-wing capability gap that could drive further foreign purchases even as HAL and Safran build the foundations of an indigenous successor.
-
![AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX]()
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
