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A US Navy F/A-18F successfully launched an Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) during a test event on Jan. 12, 2026 at Point Mugu Sea Range in California, NAVAIR announced on social media;
‘AARGM-ER’s Road to Deployment.
‘The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman team successfully conducted a live-fire event early January from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Point Mugu Sea Range, following a successful launch in December.
‘During this flight, the team demonstrated the missile’s ability to navigate a challenging flight profile in a GPS-denied environment. This test series is a critical step in paving the way for operational #Capability later this year.
‘Outstanding work by the entire team in bringing this advanced capability to the #Fleet!’
NAVAIR was echoed by Northrop Grumman;
‘Exciting progress for AARGM-ER! The successful live fire event showcases the dedication and innovation of the U.S. Navy and our teams. This critical test is a significant milestone on the path to delivering advanced strike missile capabilities to the fleet.’
Northrop Grumman is currently under contract to deliver production units of AGM-88G AARGM-ER to support the fielding of the weapon.
The original AGM-88E AARGM is a medium-range air-to-ground missile employed for Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD). An ACAT IC Cooperative program with the Italian Air Force, the AARGM system is an upgrade and compliment to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM).
AARGM baseline capabilities include an expanded target set, counter-shutdown capability, advanced signals processing for improved detection and locating, geographic specificity providing aircrew the opportunity to define missile-impact zones and impact-avoidance zones, and a weapon impact-assessment broadcast capability providing for battle damage assessment cueing.
AARGM-ER development uses digital modeling and integrated advanced AARGM sensors and electronics in a new high-performance air vehicle with upgraded propulsion and an optimized warhead. The new missile will provide the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps with a vital counter-air-defense capability that can engage advanced and long-range threats while pilots remain outside of lethal engagement ranges.
The AGM-88G AARGM-ER is being integrated on the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G, and will also be compatible for integration on the F-35A/B/C.
Photo credit: U.S. Navy
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