L3 Technologies Awarded Contract Worth Nearly $600 Million

The U.S. Navy recently awarded a contract valued at $587.4 million to L3 Technologies for designing and producing a Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) system. The platform will be equipped on the Navy’s EA-18G Growler fleet.

The development is part of a larger goal to advance the Naval airborne electronic attack (AEA) system.

The U.S. Navy’s EA-18G fighter, which is a variation of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, currently relies on the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System. This technology faces extreme challenges in the modern warfare environment, including a poor reliability record on the Built-In Test (BIT) system, radar interference, speed reduction, added crew workload, and range limitations.

The new NGJ-LB system provides suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) from remote locations and high-power RF jamming. It uses new L3 software and Active Electronically Scanned Array tech to disrupt air defense and communication operations. The system also employs Equivalent, Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) to improve the Growler’s simultaneous targeting capabilities without adding work or additional distractions in the cockpit. These developments aim to increase survivability, lethality, and scalability in future air defense missions.

“NGJ-LB will meet current and emerging electronic warfare threats and increase the lethality of 4th and 5th generation platforms and strike weapons,” explained Rear Adm. John Lemmon, the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs. “The Navy will partner with L3Harris to get this key capability into the hands of the warfighter.”

The first version of the contract was approved in 2020 but was amended in 2023 for new system prototypes. The NGJ-LB is a long-awaited upgrade for both the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and serves as a joint cooperative program between the pair.

“The contract award is a major step for our fleet as well as the RAAF,” commented Capt. David Rueter, Program Manager of the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office. “Our partnership with Australia to develop the newest AEA jamming capability exhibits our joint commitment to ensure continued superiority over the electromagnetic spectrum.”

L3’s NGJ-LB is slated to approach operational capability in 2029.

FMI: www.l3harris.com