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Released by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Mar. 17, 2026 the interesting photo in this post features a VAQ-133 EA-18G Growler launching from USS Abraham Lincoln during Operation Epic Fury with a unique loadout featuring four AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles, two AIM-120 AMRAAMs, two 480-gallon external fuel tanks, and a single ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System pod.
The picture offers a unique insight into the EA-18G’s external stores, giving a rare sight of how the US Navy’s Growler is able to integrate electronic attack, suppression of enemy air defenses, and air-combat self-protection within a high-intensity operational environment.
The AGM-88 family anti-radiation weapons are aimed at Suppression and/or Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD) mission. The Growler can be armed with legacy HARM rounds, AGM-88E AARGMs, or a mixed set. The AGM-88E AARGM is an upgrade and compliment to the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). The 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.
Coupled with the AGM-88, the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) is used by the EA-18G against radar and communications targets for the suppression of enemy integrated air defenses. The Growler aircraft can carry up to five of the system’s tactical jamming pods, two under each wing and one under the fuselage. As explained, the ALQ-99 will eventually be replaced by the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) system on all Growlers but will remain in service until all increments of NGJ reach full operational capability.
The Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120 AMRAAM can be launched in all weather, day or night. It incorporates active radar with an inertial reference unit and micro-computer system, which makes the missile less dependent upon the fire-control system of the aircraft. Once the missile closes on a target, its active radar guides it to intercept. This enables the pilot to aim and fire several missiles simultaneously at multiple targets. The pilot may then perform evasive maneuvers while the missiles guide themselves to their targets. Typically, the EA-18G is armed with two AIM-120 air-to-air missiles for self-defense. Nevertheless, for stand-off jamming and escort jamming missions, the Growler is armed with both AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles plus two AIM-120 missiles.
According to the US Navy website, the 480-gallon external fuel tanks coupled with the above loadout give the EA-18G a range of 850+ nautical miles. Additionally, the Growler in the future has the AN/ALQ-218(V)2 electronic support measures (ESM) system on its wingtips. The AN/ALQ-218 is part of the so called airborne electronic attack (AEA) kit of the EA-18G. The AEA kit features wing tip pods and gun bay pallets, in addition to antennas and receivers. The ALQ-218 Antenna/Tactical Jamming System Receiver allows for selective reactive jamming capability and accurate emitter identification, location and analysis. At the same time, the AN/ALQ-227 Communication Countermeasures Set/Electronic Attack Unit intercepts, processes and jams signals, while determining their direction. The AN/ALQ-218 function is crucial for HARM/AARGM targeting and overall SEAD effectiveness.
This loadout is very useful during Operation Epic Fury against coastal surveillance radars, integrated SAM nodes, airbase defenses, and anti-ship missile coverage threatening the Gulf and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Army Recognition, this configuration is important because it is able to compress the kill chain. In other words, the EA-18G in the photo with this loadout is able to detect, disrupt, and destroy emitters within the same mission timeline, reducing dependence on separate escort, shooter, and stand-off jammer packages because its loadout features both jamming capability and multiple anti-radiation missiles.
The EA-18G Growler is a variant in the F/A-18 family of aircraft that combines the proven F/A-18F Super Hornet platform with a sophisticated electronic warfare suite. Built to replace the EA-6B Prowler, the Growler is the first newly-designed electronic warfare aircraft produced in more than 35 years. The aircraft also retains all of the F/A-18E/F’s multi-mission capabilities with its validated design and the capability to perform a wide range of enemy defense suppression missions.
Growler Block II is currently in development and will include advances like the Advanced Cockpit System (ACS), and other internal improvements in common with the F/A-18E/F Block III, and enhancements to the Airborne Electronic Attack suite that will enable the EA-18G to outpace current threats and maintain the lead throughout its planned lifecycle.
Photo credit: U.S. CENTCOM
Dario Leone: All articles
