Authorises LRIP and Paves the Way for IOC
The US Navy’s AGM-88G Advanced Ant-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), developed by Northrop Grumman, has successfully achieved a Milestone C decision, authorising commencement of low rate initial production (LRIP), the company announced on 2 September. This decision enables the start of the production to support future deployment of the AARGM-ER to the fleet and achievement of initial operating capability (IOC).
A major upgrade to the existing AARGM, the -ER variant is being integrated on the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super HORNET and EA-18G GROWLER aircraft, and the F-35 for Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
“The additional capabilities of AARGM-ER, coupled with its high-performance air vehicle, will provide our fleet with the most advanced weapon system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats,” commented Capt A C Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242). “Our team has continued to prove the maturity of the system and we are confident AARGM-ER is ready to commence low rate production.”
“AARGM, and now AARGM-ER, is a time-critical capability that protects and enhances the capabilities of the US Navy and the evolving threats they encounter,” explained Gordon Turner, Northrop Grumman’s VP Advanced Weapons.
