The US Air Force has contracted Northrop Grumman to supply the AN/ALQ-251 advanced radio frequency countermeasures system modified for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) C-130J Hercules airlifter fleet.
The $175.64-million contract was awarded according to a foreign military sales agreement with Australia.
It includes design, testing, production, repair, support, and program management of the system, with work taking place in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, through March 2029.
“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,” Northrop Grumman VP of navigation, targeting, and survivability James Conroy said.
The RAAF has a fleet of 12 C-130Js, first operated in 1999. An additional fleet of 20 aircraft has been announced for procurement by the Australian government, with delivery expected in 2027.
AN/ALQ-251
The AN/ALQ-251 provides situational awareness and robust protection against electronic warfare systems and radar-guided weapons.
The system is designed to provide radar warning, precision direction finding — the use of radio waves to determine the direction of a radio source, and countermeasure capabilities.
“The ultra-wideband architecture can detect more advanced and agile threats, including millimeter wave systems,” according to Northrop.
“Commonality with other programs of record ensure affordable sustainment and rapid response to evolving threats.”