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.