U.S. Navy to Modernize EA-18G Growler with Raytheon’s Next-Generation Jammer
In a major leap for electronic warfare capabilities, the U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon, a division of RTX, a $590 million production contract for its Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system. Announced on December 5, 2024, the deal aims to equip the Navy's EA-18G Growler fleet—a platform dedicated to airborne electronic attack—with one of the most advanced jamming systems ever developed. This investment reaffirms the Navy’s focus on maintaining a technological edge in contested electromagnetic environments.
The NGJ-MB system is not merely an upgrade; it represents a generational shift in airborne electronic warfare. Jointly developed with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), this collaboration underscores the close defense ties between the U.S. and Australia. Both nations have invested heavily in this project, showcasing its strategic importance in countering modern threats. Designed to disrupt advanced radar systems, complex communication networks, and unconventional radio frequency (RF) operations, the system positions allied forces to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum in future conflicts.
Revolutionary Capabilities
Raytheon describes the NGJ-MB as a "revolutionary offensive electronic attack system," and the specifications back up that claim. The system introduces unprecedented range and versatility, allowing EA-18G Growlers to engage multiple targets simultaneously while disrupting adversarial kill chains. This is crucial in an era where electronic warfare is increasingly vital for neutralizing sophisticated air defenses and command-and-control systems.
The NGJ-MB leverages cutting-edge technologies, including high-power active electronically scanned array (AESA) antennas, digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) systems, and advanced signal processing. These components enable real-time detection, analysis, and jamming of threats. The system also uses modular, open-architecture designs, allowing for easier upgrades and future-proofing against evolving threats.
Crucially, the NGJ-MB addresses a longstanding limitation in electronic attack capabilities—its ability to simultaneously operate against multiple frequency bands ensures that adversaries cannot "frequency-hop" to evade detection and disruption.
Supporting the EA-18G Growler
The EA-18G Growler, a derivative of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, has long been the U.S. Navy’s go-to platform for airborne electronic attack. Equipped with the NGJ-MB, the Growler will become even more formidable, extending its operational range and effectiveness. This enhancement aligns with broader U.S. Department of Defense goals to ensure superiority in multi-domain operations, where electromagnetic dominance plays a critical role.
Barbara Borgonovi, Raytheon’s president of Naval Power, emphasized the NGJ-MB’s transformative potential, calling it a “game-changer” for modern warfare. “This system will empower Navy personnel to disrupt adversary operations effectively and decisively,” she stated.
Contract Details and Production Timeline
The $590 million contract goes beyond supplying jammer systems. It also includes support equipment, spare parts, and engineering services for both the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Production will occur across several U.S. facilities, including McKinney, Texas; Forest, Mississippi; El Segundo, California; and Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Deliveries are scheduled to extend through 2028, aligning with the Navy’s strategic timelines for modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities. This extended timeline also ensures sufficient testing and integration to meet the high operational demands of the EA-18G Growler fleet.
Replacing Legacy Systems
The NGJ-MB will replace aging jamming systems currently in service, which struggle to address modern, agile threats. As adversaries continue to develop increasingly sophisticated radar and RF technologies, the NGJ-MB’s advanced features will provide the Navy and its allies with a significant tactical advantage.
By integrating this cutting-edge system, the U.S. Navy is not only enhancing its current fleet but also future-proofing its capabilities for the complex battlefields of tomorrow. With the NGJ-MB onboard, the EA-18G Growler stands poised to remain a cornerstone of airborne electronic warfare, ensuring allied forces can dominate even the most contested electromagnetic environments.
This collaboration between Raytheon and the U.S. Navy highlights the critical role that partnerships and innovation play in maintaining military superiority, a necessity in the face of rapidly evolving threats worldwide.
