Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Navy Seeks Next-Generation Anti-Radiation Missile to Strike Airborne and Ground Radars

NAVAIR’s early notice aims to field a mature, longer-range weapon within two years of a contract award.

Overview

  • Naval Air Systems Command issued a Sources Sought for the Advanced Emission Suppression Missile seeking engagement at significant standoff distances.
  • Requirements specify a wideband anti-radiation seeker, GPS/INS with anti-jam and alternate navigation, and robust ECCM to defeat chaff, flares, jamming and anti-ARM techniques.
  • The missile must be capable of targeting airborne radars as well as ground-based emitters, introducing an air-to-air role for anti-radiation effects.
  • Compatibility is required with F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler and F-35 aircraft, along with existing Navy and Air Force anti-radiation missile infrastructure, and a minimum TRL of 7.
  • The Navy forecasts buying up to 300 missiles per year, sets a March 18, 2026 response deadline, and does not state that AESM will replace the AGM-88 HARM or AARGM-ER.