RTX’s Raytheon has delivered the first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) shipsets to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for its EA-18G Growler fleet. Each shipset consists of two AN/ALQ-249 pods mounted on external hardpoints, replacing the legacy ALQ-99 system.
RAAF EA-18G aircraft from No.6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley were photographed carrying the new pods at RAAF Base Williamtown. The sightings confirm operational integration of the advanced electronic warfare capability ahead of any official announcement.
In November 2024, Raytheon secured a $590 million contract for 13 NGJ-MB shipsets, with four allocated to the RAAF and nine to the US Navy. This delivery fulfills Australia’s portion, enhancing mid-band jamming against advanced radar threats, communications, and data links.
The NGJ-MB pods use active electronically scanned arrays for precise, agile electronic attack with increased power, range, and broadband capacity. They enable reactive and preemptive jamming to deny enemy electromagnetic spectrum use while protecting friendly forces.
Operational since 2021 for the US Navy, NGJ-MB achieved Initial Operating Capability and saw combat deployment in 2024. For the RAAF, this upgrade bolsters airborne electronic attack interoperability with US forces and counters evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia’s Growler fleet gains a quantum leap over 1960s-era ALQ-99 pods through digital techniques and rapid upgradability. Future NGJ increments—Low Band by L3Harris and High Band—will expand spectrum coverage, with Low Band targeting early operational capability in 2029.