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Photo essay: Evolution of the EA-18G Growler

Photo essay: Evolution of the EA-18G Growler
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Not just any airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft, the EA-18G is often referred to as the “world’s most advanced” in the AEA class. Operable from both allied aircraft carriers and land bases, it is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications.

Not just any airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft, the EA-18G is often referred to as the “world’s most advanced” in the AEA class. Operable from both allied aircraft carriers and land bases, it is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications.

Eleven EA-18G Growlers are currently operated by No. 6 Squadron based at RAAF Base Amberley and operate in conjunction with Australia's air, land and sea forces. Initial operational capability (IOC) was declared in April 2019.

Growlers help to reduce the risk to our forces and improve their situational awareness. It can support a wide range of Defence tasks, from peacetime evacuations to major conflicts.

The Growler is based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe, and is fitted with:

  • additional avionics;
  • enhanced radio frequency receivers;
  • an improved communications suite; and
  • ALQ radio-frequency jamming pods that enable it to jam enemy systems.

The purchase of the EA-18G Growler includes the aircraft, required mission and support systems, training, and ongoing support to effectively develop and operate a Growler capability.

It will provide a complementary capability to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.