Northrop Grumman's Anti-radiation Missile Achieves 5th Consecutive Successful Test

Northrop Grumman has announced the successful completion of the fifth consecutive flight test of the US Navy's AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The missile, which is designed to detect, identify, locate, and engage advanced land-based emitter targets, achieved its objectives in the recent test.

According to Gordon Turner, the vice president of advanced weapons at Northrop Grumman, the AARGM-ER continues to demonstrate its extended range, readiness, and effectiveness. Turner stated, "AARGM-ER provides the Navy with a demonstrated capability to stay ahead of adversary threats."

Missile Deliveries Coming Soon

The successful test firing against operationally-representative modern air defense system targets marks a significant milestone in the development of the AARGM-ER. Deliveries of the missile are scheduled to begin later this year to support the Navy's initial operational capability, planned for 2024.

The AARGM-ER will be integrated into various aircraft, including the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, the Air Force F-35A, the Marine Corps F-35B, and the Navy/Marine Corps F-35C.

US Navy CAPT Alex Dutko, the Navy program manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242), expressed his satisfaction with the results of the test.

Dutko stated, "AARGM-ER once again demonstrated high-speed employment of lethal effects against an air defense system target. This is another successful step in our government-industry team's effort to deliver this critically needed capability to our warfighters."

The development of the AARGM-ER incorporates advanced technologies, including digital modeling and integrated sensors and electronics, resulting in a high-performance air vehicle with enhanced propulsion and an optimized warhead, according to Northrop Grumman.

Integrated Battle Command System

In related news, Northrop Grumman's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) has achieved initial operational capability from the US Army earlier this month.

As part of the Army's air and missile defense modernization initiative, the IBCS will replace the current air and missile defense command and control systems with a singular system.

Through rigorous assessments and multiple operational flight tests, the IBCS has demonstrated its ability to deliver high-quality fire control data across joint networks, resulting in increased situational awareness and improved decision-making capabilities.

The system's modular, open, and scalable framework allows for the integration of various sensors and shooters from different service branches and allies, facilitating efficient and cost-effective operations.

"IBCS has the leading role in the Army's air and missile defense modernization strategy because its ability to integrate multi-domain sensors to create fire quality fused data enables the warfighter to quickly decide on the best shooter to defend against incoming threats," Rebecca Torzone, Vice President and General Manager, Combat Systems and Mission Readiness at Northrop Grumman, said in a statement.