ATK announces US Navy contract award
ATK has announced that it has been awarded a $54.4-million contract by the US Navy for a third lot of low-rate initial production (LRIP) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM).
The contract, announced 31 October 2011, authorizes production of AARGM missiles and associated support equipment for the US Navy and Italian Air Force.
According to ATK, the AARGM supersonic, air-launched tactical missile carried on the FA-18, EA-18G and Tornado ECR aircraft, is currently in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) phase and has undergone more than 300 hours of missile flight testing with the Navy in the last twelve months, including over 200 hours and multiple live fires in the IOT&E phase. Upon IOT&E phase completion in early 2012, the missile will achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the FA-18C/D Hornet aircraft.
AARGM is also being integrated into the Navy's EA-18G Growler electronic warfare and FA-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, as well as the Italian Air Force Tornado ECR electronic combat and reconnaissance aircraft. As a contributing sensor with advanced lethal defense suppression capability, ‘AARGM is expected to greatly enhance the electronic warfare capabilities for the Growler and the Tornado ECR aircraft’, an ATK company statement said.
ATK commenced low rate production for AARGM in 2008 and was awarded a second LRIP contract in 2010. This third LRIP contract award will bring the total number of production missiles for the US Navy and Italian Air Force to 115.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production]()
US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
-
![AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”]()
AUKUS update: Australian sovereignty is “paramount” as Trump declares “full steam ahead”
AUKUS has been under the spotlight this week as US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had their first face-to-face meeting.
-
![US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines]()
US Navy acquires additional Most Aggressive Features for Virginia-class submarines
A follow-on contract awarded to Collins covers the supply of up to eight MAFs to be delivered from 2027.
-
![Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel]()
Singapore christens first Victory-class multi-role combat vessel
The new mothership’s modular design ensures it meets the navy’s needs for future situations in both war and peace.
-
![Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy]()
Thales’ multirole missile delivers “tactical excellence” for UK Royal Navy
The latest trials of Thales’ Lightweight Multirole Missile in two locations proved its effectiveness in combatting real-world uncrewed threats.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
