Northrop Grumman Corporation announced the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER), developed under contract with the U.S. Navy, has successfully achieved a Milestone C decision, authorizing the company as the program’s prime contractor the entry into low rate initial production (LRIP).

“The additional capabilities of AARGM-ER, coupled with its high-performance air vehicle, will provide our fleet with the most advanced weapon system to defeat evolving surface-to-air threats. Our team has continued to prove the maturity of the system and we are confident AARGM-ER is ready to commence low rate production,” said Capt. A.C. “Count” Dutko, Navy Program Manager for Direct and Time Sensitive Strike (PMA-242).

This decision enables the start of the production to support future deployment of the AARGM-ER to the fleet and achievement of initial operating capability.

“AARGM, and now AARGM-ER, is a time-critical capability that protects and enhances the capabilities of the U.S. Navy and the evolving threats they encounter,” said Gordon Turner, Vice President, Advanced Weapons, Northrop Grumman.

“We are honored to continue providing advanced suppression and destruction of enemy air defense products to the warfighters with this significant expansion to our missile prime business,” Turner added.

AARGM-ER is a major upgrade to the existing AARGM missile, currently in production and fielded with the Navy today.

AARGM-ER is being integrated on the Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft as well as the Air Force F-35A, Marine Corps F-35B, and Navy F-35C aircraft.

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