Honeywell to Support U.S. Navy’s Next-Generation Jammer Low Band Program with Advanced Electronic Systems

Honeywell has been chosen by L3Harris Technologies to support the development of the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system, a crucial step in modernising America’s airborne electronic warfare capabilities. This collaboration marks an important advancement in the Navy’s efforts to stay ahead of evolving global threats in the electromagnetic battlespace.

The NGJ-LB program is being developed for the EA-18G Growler, the Navy’s primary electronic attack aircraft. The new jamming system is intended to replace the aging AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has served for decades. By introducing cutting-edge technologies such as active electronically scanned array (AESA) antennas and advanced software-driven systems, the NGJ-LB will offer significantly improved capabilities in detecting, disrupting, and neutralising enemy communications, air defence radars, and low-frequency threat emitters.

In September 2024, Honeywell expanded its expertise in this domain by acquiring CAES Systems Holdings, LLC, a move that strengthened its portfolio in electromagnetic defensive solutions. The company will carry out its contributions to the NGJ-LB program at its Lansdale, Pennsylvania facility, a site with a long-standing track record in developing reliable electronic warfare technologies.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $587.4 million contract to L3Harris Technologies for the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the jammer system. As part of this effort, Honeywell will be responsible for delivering specialised, high-performance components critical to the system’s operation. These components will support the system’s ability to adapt to fast-changing threat environments and provide enhanced protection for U.S. and allied forces.

Brad Westphal, president of Electromagnetic Defensive Solutions at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, remarked, “Our advanced manufacturing capabilities and specialised expertise position us to deliver reliable, mission-critical solutions. We’re proud to support L3Harris and the U.S. Navy as they push the boundaries of airborne electronic warfare.”

Adding to this, Clayton McClain, general manager of the Mission Systems division at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, noted that the Lansdale site has consistently proven its value in delivering dependable electronic warfare systems and is proud to contribute to this important national security initiative.

The Next Generation Jammer Low Band system is part of a broader, multi-band approach to electronic warfare, complementing existing mid-band jammers and future high-band systems. Together, these technologies will allow the Navy to counter a wide spectrum of threats, ensuring air superiority and operational security in contested environments.

With decades of experience in developing electronic warfare technologies and a growing portfolio of modern solutions, Honeywell continues to play a key role in supporting some of the most demanding defence programs in the world.