F/A 18 Fires AARGM ER Missile in U.S. Navy Electronic Warfare Test at Point Mugu

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F A 18 Launches AARGM ER Missile in Navy Test

An F A 18 aircraft has successfully launched an Advanced Anti Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range, known as the AARGM ER missile, during a test event at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The live fire event was conducted under the oversight of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, which leads the U.S. Navy’s efforts in electronic warfare development and testing.

The test marks another step in fielding next generation suppression of enemy air defenses capabilities for U.S. carrier based aviation. According to the U.S. Navy, Point Mugu plays a central role in validating weapons designed to detect, track, and destroy hostile radar systems in contested environments.

Point Mugu and the Navy’s Electronic Warfare Mission

Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at Point Mugu serves as the Navy’s primary center of excellence for electronic warfare. The range supports development, integration, and live testing of sensors, jammers, and precision guided weapons designed to counter advanced air defense networks.

The AARGM ER missile test underscores the range’s role in supporting high end combat readiness. By combining live missile shots with complex threat simulations, Point Mugu allows the Navy to evaluate how new weapons perform against realistic radar and electronic attack conditions.

U.S. Navy officials have repeatedly described electronic warfare as a critical enabler for modern air operations, especially in regions protected by integrated air defense systems.

AARGM ER Missile and Its Role in SEAD Missions

The AARGM ER missile is the latest evolution of the Navy’s anti radiation missile family. It builds on the combat proven AGM 88E AARGM while adding extended range, improved survivability, and enhanced guidance.

Unlike earlier anti radiation missiles that relied mainly on passive homing, the AARGM ER missile combines a multi mode guidance system with a new airframe and propulsion design. This allows the weapon to engage radar emitters even if they shut down or attempt to relocate after launch.

The missile is designed to defeat modern surface to air missile systems by targeting the sensors that enable them. This makes it a key tool for suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses, often referred to as SEAD and DEAD missions.

Integration With the F A 18 Fleet

The F A 18 remains the backbone of U.S. Navy carrier air wings. Integration of the AARGM ER missile onto the aircraft expands its ability to operate in heavily defended airspace.

During the Point Mugu event, the F A 18 demonstrated compatibility with the new missile and the aircraft’s mission systems. Navy engineers use these test launches to validate software, avionics integration, and weapon employment tactics before fleet wide deployment.

The AARGM ER missile is also planned for integration with the F 35C, further extending the Navy’s electronic attack and strike options across multiple platforms.

Strategic Context and Modern Threats

The U.S. military has placed renewed emphasis on electronic warfare and anti radiation weapons in response to the spread of advanced air defense systems worldwide. Potential adversaries continue to invest in mobile, networked radars and long range surface to air missiles designed to deny access to key regions.

By testing and fielding systems like the AARGM ER missile, the Navy aims to preserve freedom of action for carrier strike groups. The ability to neutralize enemy sensors early in a conflict remains essential to protecting aircraft, ships, and joint forces.

Defense analysts note that modern SEAD missions are no longer limited to destroying individual radar sites. They now involve complex electronic battles across land, sea, air, and space domains.

Industry and Program Background

The AARGM ER missile program is led by Northrop Grumman in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. The weapon features a redesigned control section and a rocket motor optimized for internal carriage on stealth aircraft, while still supporting external carriage on platforms like the F A 18.

Program milestones over the past several years have included captive carry flights, guided test shots, and now operationally representative launches. Each event contributes data used to refine performance and support future production decisions.

According to Navy budget documents, the AARGM ER missile is expected to replace older anti radiation variants and remain in service well into the next decade.

Looking Ahead

The successful F A 18 launch at Point Mugu reflects steady progress toward full operational capability for the AARGM ER missile. Additional testing is expected to continue across different aircraft types and mission profiles.