U.S. Navy to enhance EA-18G Growler with Raytheon’s next-generation jammer

By Defence Industry Europe

The U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon, a division of RTX, a USD 590 million production contract for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. Announced on December 5, 2024, the contract underscores the Navy’s commitment to enhancing the electronic warfare capabilities of its EA-18G Growler aircraft, a platform dedicated to airborne electronic attack.

 

The NGJ-MB system is the result of a collaborative development and production program with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), reflecting a shared investment in cutting-edge technology between allied nations. This next-generation system is designed to address a range of modern threats, including advanced radar systems, communication networks, and unconventional radio frequency operations. By disrupting adversary capabilities, the NGJ-MB is expected to provide a significant tactical advantage in contested operational environments.

Raytheon has stated that the NGJ-MB will extend the operational range of the EA-18G Growler while enabling simultaneous engagement of multiple targets. The system is also intended to disrupt adversary kill chains and reduce the effectiveness of targeting systems, supporting the broader combat operations of joint and allied forces. Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, emphasized the importance of this system, calling it a “revolutionary offensive electronic attack system” that will enhance the combat capabilities of Navy personnel.

 

 

The contract includes the delivery of complete jammer systems, support equipment, spare parts, and engineering support for the U.S. Navy and RAAF. The NGJ-MB system will replace legacy jamming technologies currently in use, offering more advanced techniques to counter sophisticated threats.

Raytheon plans to perform the contracted work at several U.S. locations, including McKinney, Texas; Forest, Mississippi; El Segundo, California; and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The production timeline extends through 2028, with the delivery schedule aligning with the Navy’s strategic operational requirements.

 

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