AEA Systems

The AEA Systems line item (LI 0513) in the Navy's FY 2026 Aircraft Procurement budget is focused on the modification and enhancement of Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) capabilities, specifically supporting the EA-18G Growler aircraft. The primary objective of this program is to ensure the continued reliability, readiness, and mission capability of the Navy's electronic warfare assets. This is achieved through targeted investments in hardware upgrades, obsolescence mitigation, and the procurement of new technologies to address emerging threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The largest component of the budget under this line item is dedicated to modifications to the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS), which is the principal jamming pod used on the EA-18G. Specific goals include accelerating the procurement of Low Band Consolidation transmitters to improve system reliability and readiness, acquiring Band 9/10 Circuit Card Assemblies and Power Supply Groups, and upgrading patagium antennas for various transmitters. These efforts are intended to fill capability gaps and maintain operational effectiveness until the Next Generation Jammer systems are fully fielded.

Within the AEA Systems program, there is a significant focus on addressing obsolescence and correcting deficiencies identified during testing or field operations. Non-recurring engineering activities are funded to support the integration of new components, such as Low Band Consolidation and Band 9/10 transmitters, and to enhance the overall maintainability and availability of the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System. The program also includes support for organizational, intermediate, and depot-level equipment, such as modifications to pod test sets and procurement of Enhanced Tactical Pod Tester and De-Air/De-Water/De-Contaminate units, which are essential for sustaining the jamming system's operational capability.

Another key objective is to provide integrated logistics support, production engineering, and subject matter expertise from multiple Navy field activities, including NAWCAD, NAWCWD, and NSWC Crane. These efforts ensure that the modified and new equipment is properly fielded, maintained, and supported throughout its lifecycle. The program also funds engineering change orders and data management activities to document and implement system improvements.

The budget line also includes a smaller component for prior year totals for modifications that are no longer active but were previously funded to support reliability and mission capability across multiple platforms. No new funding is requested for these modifications in FY 2026, as these efforts have concluded in previous years.

Justification for continued investment in AEA Systems is based on the high demand for electronic attack capabilities in various operational theaters and the need to counter rapidly evolving electronic warfare threats. The Navy's EA-18G Growler fleet is considered a low-density, high-demand asset, and stable funding is required to maintain its effectiveness until Next Generation Jammer achieves full operational capability. The FY 2026 request reflects reductions in advisory and assistance services and civilian personnel, in alignment with Executive Orders 14222 and 14210, which promote government efficiency and workforce optimization.