Raytheon to Upgrade EA-18G Growlers with Advanced Jamming Pods for Enhanced Electronic Warfare

Raytheon, a major defense contractor and a subsidiary of RTX, has secured a $192 million contract from the U.S. Navy to further develop the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band Expansion (NGJ-MBX). This project is not just about refining existing technology; it represents a leap forward in the United States’ electronic warfare capabilities, especially when it comes to countering emerging threats.

The EA-18G Growler, the platform that will be fitted with the NGJ-MBX, is a dedicated electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It is designed to suppress enemy air defenses and provide protection for friendly aircraft. The Growler’s role in modern warfare is crucial, and its jamming pods play a significant part in that.

The Need for Enhanced Jamming Technology  

In the evolving landscape of warfare, electronic systems are increasingly at the core of combat operations. Adversaries are investing in sophisticated radar and missile systems that rely heavily on electronic signatures. The ability to disrupt, deceive, or disable those systems is critical to maintaining air superiority and protecting strike missions. This is where the Growler’s jamming capabilities come into play.

The original Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) was developed to handle mid-band frequencies, a range commonly used by modern radars and communication systems. However, with adversaries constantly developing new systems and expanding the use of different frequencies, the U.S. Navy saw the need for an upgrade—hence the NGJ-MBX. The expansion will extend the range of frequencies the jammer can interfere with, providing U.S. forces with an edge against a broader spectrum of electronic threats.

How the NGJ-MBX Works  

The NGJ-MBX builds on the original NGJ-MB system by incorporating more advanced technology. At its core, the NGJ system consists of two pods mounted on the wings of the Growler. Each pod is fitted with active electronically scanned arrays (AESAs), which emit powerful jamming signals. AESA technology allows for highly precise targeting of enemy electronic systems, as these arrays can rapidly adjust their beams and frequencies to target multiple systems at once.

By expanding the frequency range, the NGJ-MBX will increase the Growler’s ability to counter a wider array of threats. This will be particularly useful in environments where adversaries use advanced radar systems that operate outside the traditional mid-band spectrum. Essentially, the upgraded jammer will be able to adapt more effectively to new and evolving threats, keeping U.S. and allied forces ahead in the electronic warfare game.

Strategic Importance  

Barbara Borgonovi, president of Naval Power at Raytheon, highlighted the significance of the upgrade for the U.S. Navy’s overall mission readiness. “Offensive Electronic Attack provides a tremendous combat capability supporting strike packages and kinetic weapons across a broad range of missions,” she said. The NGJ-MBX upgrade will ensure that naval aviators are better equipped to counter the latest adversarial threats, providing them with greater combat power during critical missions.

The U.S. Navy is not alone in benefiting from this technology. The NGJ-MB, and by extension, the NGJ-MBX, is part of a collaborative development program with the Royal Australian Air Force. This partnership underscores the global importance of advanced electronic warfare capabilities in modern military operations.

Timeline and Locations  

The NGJ-MBX upgrade is not an overnight project. Work on the contract will take place at several Raytheon facilities, including locations in Dallas, Texas; Forest, Michigan; El Segundo, California; and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The project is expected to continue through 2027, which gives the U.S. Navy and its allies a clear timeline for when they can expect the enhanced jamming capabilities to be operational.

In conclusion, the $192 million contract awarded to Raytheon is a strategic move to keep U.S. and allied forces at the forefront of electronic warfare. The NGJ-MBX upgrade for the EA-18G Growler will expand the aircraft’s ability to jam a broader range of frequencies, countering more sophisticated threats and ensuring mission success in complex electronic environments. As adversaries continue to evolve their electronic warfare tactics, upgrades like these will be crucial for maintaining a technological edge.