Next Generation Jammer (NGJ)

The Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) program, funded under Program Element (PE) 0604274N, is a major initiative of the U.S. Navy aimed at advancing Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) capabilities. The primary goal of NGJ is to address current and emerging electronic warfare gaps, ensuring the Navy maintains spectrum dominance against increasingly sophisticated adversary weapon systems. The program is focused on developing and demonstrating the AN/ALQ-249 NGJ-Mid Band (NGJ-MB) system, which will augment and eventually replace the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on EA-18G aircraft. NGJ-MB is designed to deliver enhanced radar and communications jamming effectiveness, leveraging modular open systems architecture to support rapid software and hardware updates in response to evolving threats.

The NGJ-MB Systems Engineering line item supports the technical design and development of the NGJ-MB pod and its subsystems. This effort involves detailed engineering activities to ensure the system meets operational requirements and can be efficiently integrated onto the EA-18G platform. The systems engineering work is conducted by agencies such as the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) and the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), with support from industry partners including Raytheon, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. The objective is to deliver a robust, scalable, and interoperable jamming solution that can be adapted to future mission needs.

The NGJ-MB Integration line item focuses on the physical and software integration of the jammer pod onto the EA-18G aircraft. This includes the development and testing of interfaces, software updates, and hardware modifications necessary to ensure seamless operation with existing avionics and mission systems. Integration activities are essential for validating the system's performance in real-world operational environments and for preparing the platform for initial operational capability (IOC). The integration process also supports agile employment by operators, allowing for flexible mission planning and execution.

The NGJ-MB Test and Evaluation line item provides funding for developmental and operational testing of the NGJ-MB system. This includes aeromechanical testing, mission systems testing, and verification or correction of deficiencies. Test and evaluation activities are conducted at facilities such as NAWCAD Patuxent River and NAWCWD China Lake, with participation from Boeing and other contractors. The objective is to ensure the NGJ-MB system meets all technical and operational requirements before entering full-rate production. Testing also supports tactics development and the refinement of jamming techniques to counter evolving threats.

The NGJ-MB Extended (MBX) effort represents an Engineering Change Proposal to the baseline NGJ-MB system, aiming to extend its upper frequency coverage. MBX development includes detailed design of the Advanced Frequency Converter Module (AFCM) and new array technologies, with critical design reviews and prototype material procurement scheduled for FY 2025 and FY 2026. The goal is to counter modern and adaptive threats by increasing the system's frequency range and enhancing platform survivability. MBX is a cooperative development and production program with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), reflecting the importance of allied collaboration in electronic warfare.

The Acquisition Strategy for NGJ-MB designates it as an Acquisition Category 1C Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP), with oversight from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development & Acquisition). The strategy includes completing the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase, building engineering development model pods for testing, and preparing for full-rate production decision reviews. The program also supports follow-on software and hardware development, ensuring the NGJ-MB system remains responsive to future capability upgrades and threat environments.