The US Navy has approved the production of the long-range anti-radar missile AARGM-ER. The military plans to order the first two pilot batches in the next few months.
Orbital ATK began developing the AARGM-ER in 2015, and then the project was transferred to Northrop Grumman Corporation, which absorbed it. This missile is designed to combat air defense systems. It has the same guidance system as the anti-radar AGM-88E already in service, but thanks to the solid-fuel engine, the range is twice as long. In addition, the AARGM-ER received a more powerful warhead.
The rocket carriers will be F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The F/A-18E/F carrier-based fighter has already launched it in early August. Eventually, the AARGM-ER will be integrated with F-35 fighters.
The US Navy announced on August 25 that the production of the AARGM-ER was approved. They are going to order the first two pilot batches of missiles in the next few months. Tests of the missile should continue next year, and in 2023 it should reach initial combat readiness.
The US military plans to overcome air defense systems not only with the help of anti-radar missiles. Earlier, we wrote about their AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic aeroballistic missile, which has not yet been successfully launched.
Vasilisa Chernyavtseva
