Next Generation Jammer
Description:
Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) is the next step in Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA). It needed to meet advanced and emerging electronic warfare (EW) threats and provide continuous expansion of the AEA mission area. NGJ is an evolutionary acquisition program providing capability in three increments: Mid-Band, Low Band, and High Band frequencies. Using the latest digital software and Active Electronically Scanned Array technologies, NGJ provides enhanced AEA capabilities to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems. It brings increased power and jamming capability at longer ranges. Additionally, the system allows for rapid hardware and software updates to counter improving and evolving threat capabilities. NGJ will augment, and ultimately replace, the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System that is currently used on the EA-18G Growler aircraft. NGJ will be a game-changer for the warfighter and EW community.
AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB): As an external carriage AEA capability for the EA-18G Growler, NGJ-MB focuses on the middle frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The system comprises two pods per shipset, as well as small hardware and software modifications to the EA-18G Growler aircraft to enable carriage, communication, and employment. NGJ-MB achieved Milestone C in 2021, allowing the program to enter the Production and Deployment acquisition phase. The Low Rate Initial Production III contract was awarded in March 2023, and the first production pods were delivered to the fleet in July 2023. NGJ-MB program is a joint cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence.
Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB): As an external carriage AEA capability for the EA-18G Growler, NGJ-LB will use the latest digital and software-based technologies that address advanced and emerging threats in the lower frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. NGJ-LB is currently in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development acquisition phase and is a joint cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence.