The US Navy has declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB).
“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum,” said the Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, Rear Admiral John Lemmon.
“This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars, protecting our naval aviators and allowing them to carry out their missions in contested airspace.”
The system was operationally deployed by Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) during a five month deployment with the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.
“What an incredible day for the US Navy, our Australian partners, and the Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) community,” said the Airborne Electronic Attack Systems (PMA-234) program manager, Capt. David Rueter.
“The achievement of NGJ-MB IOC is a positive reflection on the hard work, innovation and resilience from a dedicated team of government and industry professionals who have developed and fielded this critical capability to the warfighters.”
Australia has been a cooperative development partner in the NGJ-MB program since 2017 when an MoU was signed between the RAAF and USN.
“As this is a rapidly evolving area, we will work in partnership with the US Navy to develop the next generation jamming capability, which will ensure that our aircraft remain at the technological forefront throughout their service life," said the former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies at the time.