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The prime has been tapped to commence full-rate production of its advanced anti-radiation guided missiles.
The US Navy has awarded a US$153 million ($214.5 million) contract to Northrop Grumman for full-rate production (FRP) of lots 10 and 11 of the AGM-88E2 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM).
The contract includes the production of missiles for the US Navy and German Air Force.
Northrop Grumman has, thus far, produced over 1,500 AARGM missiles for the international co-operative acquisition program with the US Navy and the Italian Air Force.
The missile is designed to provide a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile system that enhances legacy AGM-88 HARM systems with next-generation capability.
The technology, used for the suppression and destruction of enemy air defence systems, is tipped to deliver a combination of precision, survivability and lethality, supporting the rapid engagement of land- and sea-based air-defence threats, while also striking time-sensitive targets.
“As threats continue to evolve, AARGM remains an affordable solution to continue protecting the US Navy and our allies with their critical missions every day,” Gordon Turner, vice president of advanced weapons at Northrop Grumman, said.
“The ability to detect and defeat the rapid proliferation of today’s surface-to-air-threats, while remaining out of harm’s way, is paramount to mission success.”
Northrop Grumman is also currently developing the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range (AARGM-ER) in partnership with the US Navy.
The AARGM-ER is expected to include a new rocket motor and warhead to provide an advanced capability to detect and engage enemy air defence systems.
AARGM is deployed with the US Navy and US Marine Corps on the F/A-18C/D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force EA-18G Growler aircraft.
[Related: Northrop Grumman Australia, L3Harris Technologies team up for JP 9102]
