Next Generation Jammer

Next Generation Jammer. It is an advanced airborne electronic warfare system developed for the United States Navy to replace the legacy ALQ-99 system on the EA-18G Growler aircraft. The program represents a significant leap in electronic attack capabilities, utilizing state-of-the-art active electronically scanned array technology and sophisticated digital radio frequency memory techniques. Its development is managed by the Naval Air Systems Command with Raytheon Technologies as the prime contractor, aiming to counter evolving threats in contested electromagnetic spectrums.

Development and Acquisition

The program was initiated to address limitations in the aging ALQ-99 system and to counter advanced integrated air defense systems fielded by potential adversaries like Russia and the People's Liberation Army. Following a competitive acquisition process, the United States Department of Defense awarded the development contract to Raytheon in 2016 after a down-select from competitors including BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman. Key testing milestones were conducted at facilities such as Naval Air Station Patuxent River and the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. The program has faced scrutiny from the Government Accountability Office and oversight from committees like the United States House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.

Technical Specifications

The system employs advanced gallium nitride-based active electronically scanned array radiators, providing greater power and precision than previous traveling-wave tube systems. It utilizes wideband digital radio frequency memory technology for effective signal processing and deception. The pod's architecture is designed for open systems compliance, facilitating future technology upgrades through the CONOPS framework. Its design emphasizes reliability and reduced maintenance burdens compared to the ALQ-99, with sophisticated cooling systems to manage heat generated by high-power jamming.

Operational Capabilities

Its primary role is to perform standoff jamming and escort jamming for carrier strike groups and joint force packages, protecting assets like the F-35 Lightning II and B-21 Raider. The system is designed to disrupt and degrade enemy surface-to-air missile systems, early warning radar networks, and command and control nodes. It provides enhanced capabilities against modern threats such as low-probability-of-intercept radars and frequency-hopping communications used by forces like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Integration with the EA-18G Growler's AN/APG-79 radar and ALQ-218 receiver system creates a potent electronic attack suite.

Variants and Deployment

The program is being fielded in incremental capability blocks, or pods, each covering different frequency spectrums. The Mid-Band pod, or NGJ-MB, is the first variant to achieve initial operational capability on the EA-18G Growler. Subsequent planned variants include a Low-Band pod to counter very high frequency systems and a High-Band pod for millimeter-wave threats. Deployment is centered on United States Navy squadrons such as Electronic Attack Squadron 132 and will be integrated into the air wings of carriers like the USS Gerald R. Ford. Future considerations include potential integration on platforms like the EC-37B Compass Call.

Program History and Timeline

The concept emerged from analyses conducted after conflicts like the Kosovo War and Iraq War, which highlighted electronic warfare shortfalls. A formal analysis of alternatives was completed in the 2000s, leading to the launch of the engineering and manufacturing development phase. The program achieved a critical Milestone C decision in 2021, authorizing low-rate initial production. Key flight tests have been conducted from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, with operational assessment involving units like Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9. The program's evolution continues to be shaped by the strategic priorities outlined in documents like the National Defense Strategy.