US Navy’s new jammer declared operational
An EA-18G Growler from VAQ-133 launches from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during NGJ-MB trials. (Photo: USN)
The Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system, developed by Raytheon (RTX) is part of a larger system that will augment and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently used on the EA-18G Growler.
The US Navy (USN) has declared Initial Operational capability (IOC) for the NGJ-MB after trials in the second half of 2024 of the jammer’s high-end capabilities during Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s five-month deployment.
The system will be used on USN and Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft and has been designed to target, interrupt and attack advanced radar threats, communications, data links and non-traditional radio frequency threats.
The system reduces adversary targeting ranges, disrupts adversary kill chains and supports kinetic weapons to target. The NGJ-MB allows crews to operate effectively at extended ranges and attack multiple targets simultaneously.
Related Articles
Boeing and USN to negotiate NGJ-MB integration contract extension
Raytheon to develop Next-Gen Jammer upgrade for US navy under $192million deal
Raytheon receives $590 million for Growler jammer
The USN’s PMA-234 programme office is responsible for acquiring, delivering and sustaining electronic attack systems.
Lt Cdr Michael Bedwell, EA-18G Naval Flight Officer and NGJ-MB deputy integrated product team lead, said the system will help “maintain spectrum dominance”.
“The era of isolated surface-to-air missile systems, which operate within a non-agile and limited frequency range, is behind us,” Bedwell said.
In December 2024, the USN awarded Raytheon a US$590 million follow-on production contract for NGJ-MB. Earlier in the year, the company was awarded a $192 million contract to develop the Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band Expansion (NGJ-MBX) – an upgrade to the NGJ-MB.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters]()
Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters
The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
