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Australia has expanded its partnership with the US to develop the Next Generation Jammer system for the EA-18G Growler – one of the world’s most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft.
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The unique, high-end capability is able to disrupt, deceive or deny a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications, which comes as a crucial boon for EA-18G Growlers deployed to high-tech hostile environments.
The Next Generation Jammer – Low Band counters low frequency adversary systems, increasing survivability and lethality of fourth- and fifth-generation platforms and enables all-domain access for the joint force by supporting electromagnetic spectrum dominance.
A rapidly evolving domain, the development of jammer technology ensures that these aircraft remain at the technological forefront throughout their service life.
The expansion of the program builds on Australia's strong tradition of integration with the US Navy, giving Australia access to cutting-edge technology.
According to Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds, the jammer systems uses advanced electronic jamming technology to support the Growler aircraft.
“Australia entered an initial agreement in October 2017 to work with the US Navy to develop the Next Generation Jammer, which will supersede the current system,” said Minister Reynolds.
“We’ve now signed two new agreements to expand this partnership. The first includes production, sustainment and follow-on development of the ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer – Mid Band, which supports the introduction of advanced electronic jamming technology, and will ensure Australia’s Growler aircraft retain commonality with their US counterparts.
“The second agreement enables the development of the next variant, the Next Generation Jammer – Low Band. These systems will augment, and ultimately replace, most legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming Systems currently used on the Growler.”
Based on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet variant of the wildly successful Boeing Hornet, the EA-18G Growler has proven itself to be an invaluable asset to the US when deployed overseas.
The Growler incorporates a number of advancements over the traditional Super Hornet, including:
- An additional avionics suite;
- Enhanced radio frequency receivers;
- An improved communications suite; and
- ALQ radio-frequency jamming pods, which enable it to jam enemy systems.
Australia's fleet of 11 EA-18G Growlers will be based at RAAF Base Amberley and operate in conjunction with the air, land and sea forces.
Initially purchased alongside the more traditional Super Hornet variants to supplement Australia's ageing fleet of classic Hornets and the diminished strike capability following the retirement of the F-111s, prior to the full integration of the Air Force's 72 planned F-35s, IOC is expected to be delivered to the RAAF in the coming months.
Australia's Growlers were part of a larger US Navy buy of 44 Super Hornets and Growlers in July 2014, with the first Australian EA-18G making its first flight in July 2015.
