The US Navy’s Milestone C decision has approved the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range for low-rate initial production (LRIP).
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Captain A.C. Dutko, Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242) at the US Navy, welcomed the LRIP approval of the weapons system.
“The additional capabilities of AARGM-ER, coupled with its high-performance air vehicle, will provide our fleet with the most advanced weapon system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats,” CAPT Dutko said.
“Our team has continued to prove the maturity of the system and we are confident AARGM-ER is ready to commence low rate production.”
According to a release by Northrop Grumman, the announcement has given a green light to begin production, and achieve initial operating capability.
Gordon Turner, vice president, advanced weapons at Northrop Grumman said that the technology will help keep the US safe.
“AARGM, and now AARGM-ER, is a time-critical capability that protects and enhances the capabilities of the US Navy and the evolving threats they encounter,” Turner said.
“We are honoured to continue providing advanced suppression and destruction of enemy air defence products to the warfighters with this significant expansion to our missile prime business.”
The prime explained that the AARGM-ER is an upgrade to the AARGM missile which is currently in use by the US Navy.
The AARGM-ER is expected to be integrated into the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35 C and EA-18G Growler, the Marine Corps’ F-35B and the Air Force’s F-35A.
[Related: Northrop Grumman teams up with Engineers Australia]