The US Navy has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system, taking a major step in providing the E/A-18 Growler an edge in electromagnetic spectrum warfare.
Utilizing the latest software-based and electronically scanned array technologies, the NGJ-MB provides enhanced capabilities to deny and distract adversaries’ radars in the range of 2 GHz to 6 GHz of the overall threat spectrum.
The RTX jammer has already been used aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during its five-month deployment in combat operations in the Middle East.
“IOC signals that the design, testing and production of this capability meet the logistical needs of the carrier air wings and EA-18G Growler squadrons,” the US Navy stated.
Next-Generation Jammer
The NGJ-MB is part of a larger NGJ system that will eventually enhance and replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, inducted in the 1970s.
The NGJ includes an NGJ-LB (Low-Band) and NGJ-HB (High-Band) that operate in the 100 MHz to 2 GHz waveband and 6 GHz to 18 GHz, respectively.
“NGJ-MB will boost our fleet’s ability to maintain spectrum dominance,” EA-18G Naval Flight Officer Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bedwell stated.
“Yielding new capabilities is critical for addressing current and future threats. The era of isolated surface-to-air missile systems, which operate within a non-agile and limited frequency range, is behind us.”
Meanwhile, an upgraded NGJ-MB is also being developed by Raytheon, offering greater frequency range to counter additional threats.
Development is expected to be complete by 2027.