Navy planning initial LRIP contract to Northrop for upgraded AARGM missiles

The Navy plans to award Northrop Grumman a low-rate initial production contract for the first two lots of AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles with an extended range upgrade.

“Naval Air Systems Command intends to award a sole source firm-fixed-price contract to Alliant TechSystems Operations LLC also referred to as Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) for the procurement of all tasks required to manufacture, fabricate, assemble, inspect, test, integrate and deliver the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range All-Up Rounds,” according to a public notice published today.

The contract will also include funding for captive air training missiles, spares and other associated support equipment and services.

The upgrade will include hardware and software changes for the missile’s guidance and control sections, motor and control actuation system “into a new outer mold line able to be launched from FA-18 E/F, EA-18G and is compatible with F-35 internal bay platforms,” according to the service’s most recent budget justification.

The weapon’s “capabilities will provide improved AARGM operational capabilities adding extended range, increased survivability and effectiveness against complex, new and emerging threats,” the budget documents continue.