U.S., Australian Navies to Boost Electronic Attack Capability with Next Gen Jammers

The U.S. Navy has awarded L3 Technologies a $587.4 million contract for the development of the Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system, advancing both the U.S. and Australian fleets toward the latest airborne electronic attack technology.

The NGJ-LB is part of a larger NGJ system designed to augment and eventually replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on the EA-18G Growler aircraft. Utilizing the latest software and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technologies, NGJ will enhance airborne electronic attack (AEA) capabilities to disrupt, deny, and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems.

This latest increment aims to counter a broader range of adversary systems in the low-frequency electromagnetic spectrum. NGJ-LB is scheduled to achieve early operational capability in 2029.

The Navy initially awarded the contract in 2020. Following multiple protests, the Navy issued an amended request for proposals in 2023. This contract supports the final design efforts and the manufacturing of operational prototype pods and system-level prototypes for the U.S. Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). NGJ-LB is a joint cooperative program between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence.

PMA-234 is responsible for acquiring, delivering, and sustaining AEA systems, including the NGJ, ALQ-99, and ALQ-231 Intrepid Tiger Pod II. The program office provides combatant commanders with electronic warfare capabilities that support operational mission success.