This contract includes options for increased quantities for the Department of the Navy, missiles for the Italian Air Force and missiles for foreign military sales.
“AARGM is able to rapidly engage air-defense threats. We are proud to provide our warfighters with this advanced and affordable capability.”
Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager, defense electronic systems, Northrop Grumman
The AARGM mission is Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD). Its primary targets are re-locatable Integrated Air Defense (IAD) targets and targets that utilize shutdown tactics. AARGM counters enemy shutdown capability through the use of a multi-mode seeker.
The AARGM system is an upgrade and compliment to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). The AARGM System Development and Demonstration (SD&D) program designed and produced a new Guidance Section, and modified the existing Control Section, which are coupled with the legacy HARM Rocket Motor and Warhead Section, wings and fins. AARGM baseline capabilities include an expanded target set, counter-shutdown capability, advanced signals processing for improved detection and locating, geographic specificity providing aircrew the opportunity to define missile-impact zones and impact-avoidance zones, and a weapon impact-assessment broadcast capability providing for battle damage assessment cueing.
AARGM Extended Range (AARGM-ER) was a new start in FY16. The AARGM-ER incorporates hardware and software modifications to improve AGM-88E AARGM capabilities to include extended range, survivability and effectiveness against future threats. The AARGM ER will be integrated on the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G.
