Northrop Grumman has announced the fifth consecutive successful flight test of the company’s AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER).
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As part of this latest round of testing with the United States Navy, the missile successfully detected, identified, located, and engaged an advanced, land-based, emitter target.
Gordon Turner, vice president, advanced weapons, Northrop Grumman, explained “AARGM-ER provides the Navy with a demonstrated capability to stay ahead of adversary threats. This successful live fire continues to prove the missile’s extended range, readiness and effectiveness.”
Currently, deliveries for the AARGM-ER are expected to begin later in the year to support initial operational capability for the US Navy in 2024. The missile is also expected to be integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler as well as the Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B and Navy/Marine Corps F-35C.
US Navy Captain Alex Dutko, Navy program manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242), added, “AARGM-ER once again demonstrated high-speed employment of lethal effects against an air defence system target”.
AARGM-ER development uses digital modelling and integrated advanced AARGM sensors and electronics in a new high-performance air vehicle with upgraded propulsion and an optimised warhead.
Northrop Grumman’s new missile will provide the Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps with a vital counter-air-defence capability that can engage advanced and long-range threats while pilots remain outside of lethal engagement ranges.
The AARGM-ER government-industry team recently received the William J. Perry award, recognising their exceptional contributions to precision strike systems which strengthen national security and shapes the nation’s precision strike combat advantage.
“This is another successful step in our government-industry team’s effort to deliver this critically needed capability to our warfighters,” CAPT Dutko added.