The Australian Department of Defence is ordering AGM-88G AARGM-ER missiles. They will be used to arm fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters.
Australia has decided to purchase more than 60 AARGM-ER anti-radar missiles. The amount of the deal is estimated at $431 million. In addition to the F-35 Lightning II, the new missiles will be armed with EA-18G Growler aircraft.
AARGM-ER or Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range is a deep modernisation of the AGM-88E AARGM missile. In the US, the carriers are also fourth-generation F/A-18EF Super Hornet deck fighters along with the aforementioned F-35 Lightning II and EA-18G Growler.
The missile is designed to suppress enemy air defence systems. Last December, Northrop Grumman conducted tests in which the F/A-18EF Super Hornet was able to destroy a moving target.
The AARGM-ER has an inertial guidance system, GPS and an active-passive radar homing head. The 70kg warhead contains 12,845 striking elements made of tungsten.
© 2023, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Be the first to comment