Northrop Grumman has completed the fifth flight test of the US Navy’s future AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER).
During the trial, the air-to-ground missile detected, located, identified, and intercepted a land-based emitter target.
“AARGM-ER provides the Navy with a demonstrated capability to stay ahead of adversary threats. This successful live fire continues to prove the missile’s extended range, readiness and effectiveness,” Northrop Grumman Advanced Weapons Vice President Gordon Turner stated.
US Navy Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Program Manager Capt. Alex Dutko added: “AARGM-ER once again demonstrated high-speed employment of lethal effects against an air defense system target.”
“This is another successful step in our government-industry team’s effort to deliver this critically needed capability to our warfighters.”
AGM-88G for US Forces
Production of the AGM-88G will begin later this year, followed by the weapon’s initial operational capability in 2024.
The missile will be fitted on the navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.
The US Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B, and Navy/Marine Corps F-35C stealth multirole fighter jets will also receive the weapon system.
The AARGM-ER
Designed through digital modeling, the AARGM-ER has an optimized warhead, electronics, and sensors.
Its high-performance aerial capability is powered by an upgraded propulsion system to engage advanced and long-range threats while keeping airmen at standoff range.
The system’s latest iteration, the AGM-88G, includes software upgrades over its predecessor Anti-to-Ground High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (AGM-88 HARM), in service since the 1980s.
The critical design review for the AARGM-ER’s new rocket motor and warhead was completed in 2020.
The first live-fire test of the AGM-88G was carried out the following year at Point Mugu Sea Range in California.
