WASHINGTON, July 2, 2026 — The U.S. Navy is seeking an alternative supplier for its next-generation anti-radiation missile under the Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM) program, aiming to strengthen production capacity while reducing reliance on a single manufacturer.
In a Request for Information (RFI) issued on July 1, 2026, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced it is looking for a missile equivalent to the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), currently produced by Northrop Grumman. The latest notice increases the planned production capacity to up to 600 missiles annually, doubling the 300-round target outlined in a February 2026 RFI.
The AESM program is managed by the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons through its Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons office (PMA-242).
Expanded Operational Capability
Anti-radiation missiles are designed to detect and destroy enemy radar systems by homing in on their radio-frequency emissions, enabling aircraft to suppress hostile air defenses before they can engage friendly forces.
The AARGM-ER, the Navy's current frontline anti-radiation missile, can reach speeds of Mach 4 and has an estimated range of approximately 160 nautical miles (300 kilometers).
In addition to replacing or complementing the AARGM-ER, the AESM is expected to provide broader operational capability. According to the February 2026 RFI, the missile should be capable of engaging both ground-based radar systems and high-value airborne targets such as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft.
The increase in the annual production objective suggests the Navy is planning for higher procurement volumes while establishing an additional production source for a critical weapon system.
Reducing Supply Chain Risk
The initiative comes as the AARGM-ER continues progressing toward full operational service. The missile received Milestone C approval in 2024, allowing low-rate initial production, and successfully completed a live-fire test in a GPS-denied environment in January 2026. However, its Initial Operational Capability (IOC), originally planned for 2024, is now expected later in 2026.
By seeking an alternative supplier, the Navy aims to improve supply chain resilience and avoid dependence on a single manufacturer for a key Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) capability.
Technical Requirements
NAVAIR requires the AESM to integrate with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, and F-35 Lightning II, including compatibility with both the F-35's internal weapons bay and external carriage.
The missile must comply with MIL-STD-1760 and the Universal Armament Interface, while adopting a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) that allows future upgrades with sensors and software from multiple vendors.
The system must also feature advanced GPS/INS navigation, broad radio-frequency coverage, and Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) capable of operating against modern jamming and other electronic warfare threats.
Additionally, the AESM is required to have a 15-year service life, withstand more than 500 hours of captive carriage beneath aircraft wings, and operate reliably in the demanding maritime environment of carrier-based aviation.
Industry Responses Due by July 31
NAVAIR has also directed that the missile be designed with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in mind, allowing future export opportunities for U.S. allies. Companies responding to the RFI must possess the necessary facility certifications and security clearances to handle Secret-level classified information.
The July 1 RFI is a market research effort rather than a formal contract solicitation. Interested companies have until July 31, 2026, to submit capability statements along with pricing information for annual production quantities ranging from 50 to 600 missiles. The information will help the Navy assess industrial capacity and production costs before deciding whether to launch a formal competition.
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