NGJ-MB clears latest hurdle
An EA-18G Growler from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 conducts a Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band flight test. (Photo: USN/Steve Wolff)
The Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) programme for the USN has passed Milestone C tests, manufacturer Raytheon announced on 29 June.
This decision paves the way for NGJ-MB to enter the production and deployment phase and proceed with LRIP.
The USN and Royal Australian Air Force are each adopting NGJ-MB for their EA-18G Growler EW aircraft, to replace legacy ALQ-99 systems.
‘The Milestone C decision drives home the stability and maturity of NGJ-MB,’ said Annabel Flores, VP of electronic warfare systems at Raytheon Intelligence & Space.
She added: ‘The system is ready for validation and LRIP, and we’re gearing up for the delivery of this critical capability to the fleet.’
To date, NGJ-MB has successfully completed more than 145h of developmental flight testing using mission systems and aeromechanical pods.
NGJ-MB has also completed more than 3,100h of anechoic chamber and laboratory tests to evaluate its performance both on and off the EA-18G Growler aircraft, in addition to jamming techniques and reliability testing.
A total of 28 NGJ-MB pods will be delivered in the engineering, manufacturing and development phase, Shephard Defence Insight reports.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Akinci: How Baykar turned the UAV into an African and Middle Eastern export success
From billion-dollar industrial partnerships in the Middle East to rapid military off-the-shelf deliveries in Africa, Baykar has tailored the Akinci to the needs of very different customers. Defence Insight data shows how flexibility, price and Turkish supply-chain independence have helped drive exports.
-
US Pentagon pushes procurement of dismounted counter-UAS capabilities
The US services are investing in lighter, autonomous and networked systems to protect mobile troops from drone threats.
-
US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029
Northrop Grumman’s US$18.8 million XRC propulsion contract runs through December 2029, but performance targets and the pathway to operational fielding remain undisclosed.
-
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.