Third successful missile live fire test for AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range.

Northrop Grumman successfully completed the third live fire test of its AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER). The U.S. Navy launched the missile from an F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft recently at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California. Utilizing its advanced emitter acquisition system, the missile detected a land-based threat and engaged the threat system.

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Northrop Grumman’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) is launched from a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet. (Picture source: U.S. Navy)

“The Navy requirement for AARGM-ER is now,” said Captain A.C. Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “AARGM-ER performed as expected and detected, identified, located and engaged a land-based air defense radar system. The continued success of our developmental testing moves the program closer to fielding and providing the aircrews with the protection they need to remain ahead of adversary threats.”

Since achieving a Milestone C Decision (authorization for Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP)) in September 2021, AARGM-ER prime contractor Northrop Grumman has continued to lead its industry team in timely development of critically needed warfighting capability. LRIP Lot 1 AARGM-ER missiles are currently in-production to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) fielding. LRIP Lot 2 missiles, under contract, will further augment the inventory in the Fleet.

AARGM-ER leverages existing state-of-the-art AARGM sensors, electronics and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, a propulsion system providing extended range and an advanced warhead.

“Northrop Grumman is focused on delivering AARGM-ER capability to the U.S. Navy on-time to meet a critical warfighting need,” said Mary Petryszyn, corporate vice president and president, Northrop Grumman Defense Systems. “We understand the requirement and we have the experience and know-how as a missile prime to deliver this time critical asset on an accelerated schedule.”

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35 aircraft.