The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile system developed by Northrop Grumman, a defence technology company based in the US.
The AARGM-ER represents a significant advancement from the AGM-88E2 AARGM, effectively addressing capability gaps resulting from threats that emerged after 2020.
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The US Navy aims to achieve the initial operational capability of the missile system by the third quarter of 2024.
AGM-88G AARGM-ER design and features
The air-to-ground missile is 13.8ft long, has a diameter of 10in, a wingspan of 44in, and a weight of 361kg. The missile has a speed exceeding Mach 2.
AARGM-ER uses the existing AARGM components, including sensors, radome, and avionics package and extends the range of the baseline system.
It incorporates a new high-performance air vehicle, upgraded propulsion system, and advanced warhead.
The missile system utilises the AARGM multimode guidance section and a modified GM-88E2 common control section. It also features a larger rocket motor utilising mature technologies and a tail-controlled control actuation system for reduced drag and survivability.
AARGM-ER also offers thermal protection, strakes, and airframe support, meeting extended range and survivability requirements.
AGM-88G AARGM-ER development details
AARGM-ER is classified as an acquisition category IB programme. Its development was first announced in 2016 as an upgrade to the AGM-88E AARGM and the programme officially started in 2017.
Development of the AARGM-ER commenced in March 2019 and reached the critical design review stage in February 2020.
The US Government’s Director of Operational Test & Evaluation approved the AARGM-ER Milestone C Test and Evaluation Master Plan in May 2021.
In July 2021, the US Navy conducted a Knowledge Point-Four programme assessment of the missile system, endorsing progression into the production and deployment phase and paving the way for the low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract to be awarded to Northrop Grumman in September 2021.
Northrop Grumman secured a $45.6m contract for the second batch of AARGM-ER LRIP in December 2021.
A $235.69m contract was awarded to Alliant Techsystems Operations, a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman, in November 2023 for the production of 118 AARGM-ERs under lot three LRIP.
AARGM-ER testing details
In July 2021, the US Navy executed the first AARGM-ER developmental free flight test from a F/A-18, followed by successful mission planning and munition handling demonstrations.
The first live fire of the AARGM-ER from a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet was successfully executed in August 2021.
Northrop Grumman completed the second flight test of the missile system in February 2022, followed by a third test in July 2022, a fourth test in December 2022 and a fifth test in May 2023.
All tests were conducted using the US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet at the Point Mugu Sea Range, located off the coast of Southern California.
The missile is currently being integrated into the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, as well as the Air Force’s F-35A, Marine Corps’ F-35B, and Navy/Marine Corps’ F-35C.
AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range capabilities
The missile system features full destruction of enemy air defence capability, including autonomous detection, target identification, and surface-to-air missile systems destruction.
AARGM-ER employs strike aircraft for weapon delivery from the sanctuary. It features enhanced weapon survivability and is compatible with integration into the F-35 internal bay.
The missile system is compatible with the external carriage of F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, and F-35A/B/C, as well as the internal carriage of F-35A/C. It will also be compatible with future platforms such as the P-8, F-16, and Eurofighter.
AGM-88G AARGM-ER orders
Australia placed an order for 63 AGM-88G AARGM-ERs and related equipment at an estimated cost of $506m in February 2023.
The government of Finland placed an order for 150 AARGM-ERs and related equipment at an estimated cost of $500m in October 2023.
In April 2024, the US State Department announced the foreign military sale of AARGM-ER missiles to the governments of Poland and the Netherlands.
Poland has agreed to buy 360 AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles for $1.27bn while the Netherlands will acquire 265 AARGM-ER missiles as part of a $700m deal.
