Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) — Advancing Airborne Electronic Attack
The Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) represents the next step in airborne electronic attack (AEA). It addresses advanced and emerging electronic warfare (EW) threats while allowing AEA missions to continue to expand. The NGJ follows an evolutionary acquisition path and offers capabilities in three increments covering mid-band, low-band, and high-band frequencies. Using cutting-edge digital software and electronically scanned array technology, the NGJ enhances AEA performance to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy air defenses and ground communications. It delivers greater power and jamming reach over longer ranges. The design also supports rapid hardware and software refreshes so the system can improve and adapt to changing threats. The NGJ will augment and eventually replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System now carried on the EA-18G Growler. For the warfighter and EW community, the NGJ will be a game-changer.
AN/ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB): Fielded as an externally carried AEA solution for the EA-18G Growler, the NGJ-MB targets the mid-frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The capability includes mission pods as well as general hardware and software modifications for the vehicle, communications, and employment of the EA-18G Growler. The NGJ-MB reached Milestone C in 2021, paving the way for entering the production and deployment acquisition phase. A Low Rate Initial Production III contract followed in March 2023, and the first production pods arrived with the fleet in July 2023. The NGJ-MB effort is being conducted as a cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defense.
Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB): Delivered as an externally portable AEA capability for the EA-18G Growler, NGJ-LB will utilize advanced digital and software-defined technologies to address advanced, emerging threats in the lower frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. NGJ-LB is currently in the engineering and manufacturing development acquisition phase and, like NGJ-MB, is being conducted as a joint cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence.
Next Generation Jammer – Low Band (NGJ-LB) for EA-18G Growlers
Provides extended stand-off range, simultaneous multiple-target engagement, and robust electronic-attack performance. L3Harris has introduced the Next Generation Jammer – Low Band (NGJ-LB) as the latest flagship electronic-warfare (EW) tactical jamming pod for the U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growler fleet. An F/A-18 E/F variant specifically configured for EW missions, the Growlers serve as the only U.S. Department of War (DOW) tactical EW platform supporting missions across U.S. and allied armed forces.
The U.S. Navy’s EA-18G Growlers and its force multiplier for electronic-warfare missions
The NGJ-LB wind-tunnel test pod demonstrates the advanced design. Today, the U.S. The Navy’s EA-18G fleet relies on an aging jamming system that is increasingly challenged by adversary radar upgrades and is facing sustainability issues.
To meet the Navy’s immediate needs, L3Harris developed the NGJ-LB Tactical Jamming Pod. This advanced solution gives strike packages the power and capability to engage enemy air defenses from standoff range and improves overall strike-force survivability.
L3Harris Wins $587.4 Million Contract for Next Generation Jammer Low Band
On August 26, the Department of Defense announced that L3Harris has won a five-year, $587.4 million contract to lead engineering and product development for the Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB). The NGJ systems will replace the long-serving ALQ-99 and will be carried by EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The Navy originally divided the jammer effort into three pods that cover different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to address both current and emerging threats: Mid-Band (awarded to Raytheon in 2016), Low-Band, and High-Band (which has not received budget funding since at least FY 2020).
The low-band project is being developed in partnership with Australia, according to Navy budget documents. It aims to counter a variety of adversary systems in the low-frequency spectrum and is expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2029.
The Government Accountability Office supported Northrop’s opposition, claiming that the Navy did not fully assess a potential conflict of interest involving a former Navy employee who helped draft the program specifications while employed by L3Harris during the bidding phase.
During the low-band competition, the Navy awarded demonstration contracts to two companies and planned to select the best design for the overall award. Competitors included Northrop Grumman — which partnered with Harris — and L3 (before the L3-Harris merger).
L3Harris confirmed that it will provide eight operational prototype pods to Naval Air Systems Command for fleet use over a five-year period, along with additional assets for testing and airworthiness.
In 2023, the Navy also updated the mid-band program to create an extended pod, the NGJ-MBX, designed to extend range and close the capability gap. This upgrade adds frequency coverage to the mid-band as a near-term solution while the high-band system continues without funding.
About L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies is a trusted innovator in the defense sector. With mission-critical needs at the forefront, our team delivers complete technology solutions that connect space, air, land, sea and cyber domains to strengthen national security. For additional details, please visit L3Harris.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements that represent management’s current views, expectations and assumptions regarding future performance and economic conditions. These statements are based on the safe harbour provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors should note that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied.
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