US Navy awards contract for extended-range missiles
The AARGM-ER is launched from a US Navy F/A-18 during a successful live fire test at Point Mugu Sea Test Range, California. (Photo: US Navy)
Northrop Grumman has been awarded an LRIP contract by the US Navy for their AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER).
The AARGM-ER is a major upgrade to the existing AARGM, currently in production and fielded with the US Navy and other international allies.
Not only does the AARGM-ER provide greater range and speed than the AGM-88E AARGM, but it may also operate as a sensor while on the rail.
This enables the missile to feed data back into the aircraft for onward transmission or to increase cockpit situational awareness.
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.
The first AARGM-ER guided test flight occurred on 19 July, when the missile was successfully launched from an F/A-18F Super Hornet, as pictured above.
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
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.