The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has selected Northrop Grumman to supply its C-130J Hercules aircraft with an advanced radio frequency countermeasures system. The AN/ALQ-251 system is designed to enhance aircraft survivability in complex and contested electromagnetic environments.
According to Northrop Grumman, the system provides aircrews with radar warning, threat identification and geolocation, along with effective countermeasures. It offers full situational awareness and precision direction finding of radio frequency threats.
James Conroy, vice president of navigation, targeting and survivability at Northrop Grumman, stated: “With the increase of advanced radio frequency threats, our digital AN/ALQ-251 system allows the RAAF’s C-130J fleet the freedom of maneuver to carry out its wide range of humanitarian and national security missions safely.”
The integration of the AN/ALQ-251 aligns with a current U.S. Department of Defense programme, allowing the RAAF to benefit from established commonality and reduced lifecycle costs. This also enables closer interoperability with allied forces.
Already in production for the U.S. military, the system is now available to international partners, including Australia. It forms part of Northrop Grumman’s broader portfolio of scalable electronic warfare solutions, adaptable to both current and future platforms.
The move strengthens the RAAF’s ability to respond to threats and carry out diverse missions, from defence operations to humanitarian support. Northrop Grumman’s systems are designed to support faster and more informed decision-making across a range of scenarios.
