The US Navy has tested a new long-range air-to-ground missile. The AGM-88G AARGM-ER was launched from a Super Horne fighter and, according to some reports, its speed reaches Mach 2. In the Western media, this weapon was hastened to be called "the killer of the Russian S-400 air defense systems," the Ukrainian edition gloats.
The new missile, in addition to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, will also receive F-35 stealth fighters
The US Navy, during tests held on July 19, 2021, for the first time launched an advanced anti-radar guided missile of increased range AGM-88G AARGM-ER from a Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter.
According to the manufacturer of the Northrop Grumman rocket, the test took place on the Point Mugu ridge off the coast of Southern California.
"The AARGM-ER was successfully launched from an F/A-18 fighter and completed the key tasks of the first combat missile fire," the report says.
It is noted that the tests with live firing " confirmed the overall integration of the system, the operation of the rocket engine." It is known that a series of additional tests of this development is now planned.
The AARGM missile in the ER variant received a new warhead and a new rocket engine for an increased range of the rocket. At the same time, the tactical and technical characteristics of the rocket have not yet been disclosed, although some sources note that the rocket can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.
The AARGM-ER missile is designed to destroy enemy radars, jamming generators and radio transmitters - that is, it can "blind" the enemy and deprive him of the opportunity to"communicate". In the American and Russian media, this missile has already been called the "killer of the S-400 air defense system".
It is now known that the US Navy plans to integrate the missile with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft, and it can also be obtained by the F-35 stealth fighters of the Navy, KMP and the US Air Force.
Oleg Katkov
