U.S. Navy’s AARGM-ER Missile Completes Third Live Fire Test

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft fired the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), making it the third such test.

The jet launched the missile recently at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of California. Utilizing its advanced emitter acquisition system, the missile detected a land-based threat and engaged the threat system, Northrop Grumman announced today.

“AARGM-ER performed as expected and detected, identified, located and engaged a land-based air defense radar system. The continued success of our developmental testing moves the program closer to fielding and providing the aircrews with the protection they need to remain ahead of adversary threats,” said Captain A.C. Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242).

AARGM-ER achieved a Milestone C Decision (authorization for Low-Rate Initial Production or LRIP) in September 2021. LRIP Lot 1 AARGM-ER missiles are currently in-production to support Initial Operational Capability (IOC) fielding. LRIP Lot 2 missiles, under contract, will further augment the inventory in the Fleet.

The upgraded missile leverages AARGM sensors, electronics and digital models with the addition of a new high-performance air vehicle, a propulsion system providing extended range and an advanced warhead.

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the F-35 aircraft.