Exelis to Redesign Tactical Jammer for US Navy, Australian Defence

Exelis has received a U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center $15.3 million contract to perform sustainment work on the ALQ-99 tactical jamming system.

The ALQ-99 is used on the Navy's EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. The technology will also be provided to the Australian government through a Foreign Military Sales program, the first time the ALQ-99 has been made available to an international ally.

Under the contract, Exelis will redesign three modules -- components of the ALQ-99's universal exciter upgrade shop-replaceable assembly -- to extend the service life of the Navy's principal standoff jammer.

As part of the redesign, Exelis will replace legacy application-specific electronic components with modern field-programmable technology, enhancing reliability and the system's ability to adapt to changing mission needs. The work will also include extensive qualification testing to ensure that the aircraft can operate successfully in challenging environments.

"The ALQ-99 is expected to continue supporting the Navy's electronic attack mission for several years until a next-generation solution is fielded," said Mitch Friedman, vice president and general manager of the Exelis integrated electronic warfare systems business. "This critical interim support will equip the system to handle the evolving threat landscape and allow U.S. and allied forces to continue dominating the electromagnetic spectrum.

"For the first time, this contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy and the government of Australia through a Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales program. Work is expected to be completed by June 2017.