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Next-Gen Raytheon NGJ-MB System Empowers US EA-18 Growlers Fighter Jet with Superior Radar Jamming.
On November 9, 2024, Raytheon Technologies (RTX) was awarded a $590 million follow-on production contract by the U.S. Navy for the development and deployment of the Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. The objective of this program is to enhance the Navy's electronic warfare capabilities by effectively disrupting enemy radars and communications, thereby reducing targeting ranges and disrupting adversary kill chains. The NGJ-MB system will be installed on EA-18G Growler aircraft, improving their electronic warfare capabilities during military operations.
Raytheon Next-Gen Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system will be installed on EA-18G Growler Fighter Jet. (Picture source: Raytheon)
The NGJ-MB system is set to be deployed on EA-18G Growler aircraft, where it will play a crucial role in targeting advanced radar systems, communication networks, data links, and non-traditional radio frequency threats. Raytheon emphasizes that the NGJ-MB significantly reduces adversary targeting ranges, disrupts enemy kill chains, and enhances the effectiveness of kinetic weapons. By enabling naval crews to operate at extended ranges and engage multiple targets simultaneously using advanced techniques, the NGJ-MB provides a strategic advantage in modern electronic warfare scenarios.
The NGJ-MB (Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band) functions as an advanced electronic warfare device designed to disrupt enemy communications and radars. Specifically mounted on aircraft like the EA-18G Growler, the NGJ-MB emits powerful radio signals that interfere with adversary electronic systems. When an enemy aircraft uses radars to detect or track targets, the NGJ-MB blocks or jams these signals, rendering the radars ineffective. Similarly, it disrupts enemy communications and data links, preventing the coordination and rapid response of adversary forces. By diminishing the enemy's ability to detect, track, and communicate, the NGJ-MB protects friendly forces and creates a significant tactical advantage on the battlefield. This system also allows naval and aircrews to operate over greater distances and manage multiple threats simultaneously, thereby increasing their effectiveness and safety during missions.
The NGJ-MB system is composed of several key components integrated sophisticatedly into the EA-18G Growler aircraft. These components include advanced jamming modules that generate powerful radio signals to interfere with enemy radars and communications. These modules are paired with specialized antennas strategically placed on the wings and fuselage of the aircraft, allowing optimal coverage and flexibility in targeting threats. The system also includes power management units to ensure a stable and reliable distribution of energy necessary for the operation of electronic warfare equipment. Advanced control interfaces and software enable operators to manage the system in real-time, adjusting jamming parameters based on battlefield conditions. Additionally, integrated sensors and communication devices ensure coordination with other aircraft systems and friendly forces. The NGJ-MB is primarily mounted in pods under the wings and within the internal compartments of the EA-18G Growler, optimizing the aircraft's aerodynamics while ensuring easy access for maintenance and technological upgrades. This seamless integration allows the Growler to fully exploit the capabilities of the NGJ-MB, providing significant tactical superiority in electronic warfare.
The development of the NGJ-MB (Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band) system by Raytheon began in 2019 in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). In 2021, the program reached a critical milestone with the completion of the initial design and the commencement of laboratory testing. In 2023, flight tests were conducted on EA-18G Growler aircraft, demonstrating the system's advanced jamming capabilities. In 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $590 million follow-on contract for the production and deployment of the NGJ-MB, marking the start of large-scale production. The delivery of equipment and support systems will continue until 2028, the year planned for the complete program completion and operational integration of the NGJ-MB within the U.S. and Australian naval forces.
Additionally, other companies are developing electronic warfare systems similar to Raytheon's NGJ-MB. In 2020, Lockheed Martin launched the Advanced Electronic Warfare System (AEWS), designed to effectively interfere with enemy radars and communications, and integrated on F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. In 2021, Northrop Grumman introduced the Multi-Role Jammer (MRJ), offering advanced jamming capabilities tailored to various aerial platforms such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-15 Eagle. Moreover, in 2022, Thales developed the JASS (Jamming and Signal Suppression), intended for European forces and integrated on aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale, to enhance their electronic defenses. These systems, like the NGJ-MB, aim to improve the electronic superiority of armed forces by disrupting enemy detection and communication systems, thereby contributing to the protection and effectiveness of modern military operations.