U.S. Defense giant Northrop Grumman Corp. has confirmed that its newest AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) cleared for initial production.
According to a company’s recent news release, the U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation the contract to proceed with low rate initial production (LRIP) for the AGM-88G AARGM-ER.
“LRIP marks a significant step forward for AARGM-ER and the confidence the U.S. Navy has in the program and its capabilities,” said Captain Alex Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “AARGM-ER will provide the U.S. Navy and our allies with unmatched protection.”
As the AARGM-ER prime contractor, Northrop Grumman has worked with a team of U.S. Navy and industry partners to develop an effective, production missile design, successfully achieving Milestone C in just 28 months following engineering and manufacturing development contract award. The team worked tirelessly to mitigate risk and prove system maturity.
“The evolution of the AARGM family with AARGM-ER is a major step in our ability to provide the U.S. and our allies with a superior capability to detect and defeat adversary air defense threats,” said Gordon Turner, vice president, advanced weapons, Northrop Grumman. “This milestone underscores the exceptional effort and professionalism demonstrated by the government and industry team.”
AARGM-ER is a major upgrade to existing AARGM, currently in production and fielded with the Navy and multiple allies today.
AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B, and Navy F-35C aircraft.