US Navy’s AARGM-ER missile enters production

Northrop Grumman announced on September 2 that the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) developed under contract with the US Navy, has achieved a Milestone C decision, authorising the entry into low-rate initial production (LRIP).

This decision enables the start of the production to support future deployment of the AARGM-ER to the fleet and achievement of initial operating capability. The AARGM-ER missile is an upgrade to the existing AARGM system, currently in production and fielded with the US Navy.

AARGM-ER achieves Milestone C status — **The AARGM-ER leverages AARGM with significant improvements in some technology areas according to the manufacturer.** Northrop Grumman

Capt A C Dutko, US Navy program manager for direct and time sensitive strike (PMA-242), said: “Our team has continued to prove the maturity of the system and we are confident AARGM-ER is ready to commence low-rate production.”

On August 2 the US Navy announced that it had completed the first live fire of the AARGM-ER from an F/A-18 Super Hornet off the coast of southern California the previous month, a key step towards the eventual award of Milestone C status to the programme.

The AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler platforms, as well as the US Air Force F-35A, US Marine Corps F-35B, and US Navy F-35C aircraft.