Description
The AN/ALQ-249(V)1 Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system is part of a larger NGJ system that will augment, and ultimately replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) currently used on the EA-18G Growler aircraft for Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA).

The NGJ System is the next step in the evolution of Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) and is needed to meet current and emerging Electronic Warfare gaps, ensure kill chain wholeness against growing threat capabilities and capacity, and to keep pace with threat weapons systems advances and continuous expansion of the AEA mission area.

Features
Next Generation Jammer, an external jamming pod system, will address advanced and emerging threats alike, as well as the growing numbers of threats. The system consists of one shipset of pods (two pods per shipset), as well as small hardware and software modifications to the EA-18G Growler aircraft to enable carriage, communication and employment.

NGJ-MB uses the latest digital, software-based and Active Electronically Scanned Array technologies and will provide enhanced airborne electronic attack capabilities to disrupt and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems.

Background
Next Generation Jammer is an evolutionary acquisition program providing capability in three increments: Mid-Band, Low Band and High Band. NGJ-MB is currently undergoing ground and flight test. The capability will address advanced and emerging threats in the middle frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The NGJ-MB program is a joint program cooperation between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Ministry of Defence. Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for fall 2023.

Service
U.S. Navy

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Airborne Electronic Attack
Contractor: Raytheon Intelligence and Space
Date Deployed: Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for fall 2023