This article is based on an official press release from Raytheon (RTX).

Raytheon Delivers First Next Generation Jammer Pods to the Royal Australian Air Force

Raytheon, an RTX business, has officially announced the delivery of its first Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) pods to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). According to a company press release issued on April 20, 2026, this initial delivery of shipsets was completed ahead of schedule in September 2025, with subsequent deliveries planned to continue throughout 2026.

The NGJ-MB program, officially designated as the AN/ALQ-249, represents a major cooperative development and production effort between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is an advanced airborne electronic attack platform designed to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communication systems, allowing allied aircrews to operate safely in contested environments.

To ensure the RAAF maintains operational and mission readiness, Raytheon noted in its release that it is providing on-site deployment and maintenance support directly in Australia.

Upgrading the Electronic Attack Arsenal

Transitioning from Legacy Systems

The introduction of the NGJ-MB marks a generational leap in electronic warfare. Based on supplementary research data, the NGJ program was initiated to replace the aging AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in active service since 1972. The legacy ALQ-99 system has increasingly faced reliability issues and interference challenges with modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems.

In contrast, the new NGJ-MB utilizes its own AESA technology radiating in the mid-band frequency range. Furthermore, research indicates that the system features a fully digital, Software-defined architecture, enabling rapid updates to counter emerging electromagnetic threats.

“This Delivery marks a significant milestone in our collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and RAAF on NGJ. This advanced technology will greatly enhance RAAF’s electronic warfare capabilities, safeguarding vital assets on its aircraft and more effectively neutralizing adversary technologies across a wide range of missions.”

Integration with the EA-18G Growler

The NGJ-MB pods are designed to be externally mounted on the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. According to defense research reports, the RAAF currently operates a fleet of 11 EA-18G Growlers assigned to No. 6 Squadron, stationed at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The integration of these advanced jamming pods is a core component of Australia’s broader “Project AIR 5349 Phase 6,” a $6 billion initiative aimed at comprehensively upgrading the RAAF’s Growler fleet to match current U.S. capabilities.

Program Milestones and Combat-Proven Technology

Recent Deployments and Contracts

The NGJ-MB system arrives in Australia with a proven operational track record. According to defense research, the U.S. Navy officially declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the system in December 2024. Shortly thereafter, the jammer saw its first combat deployment in 2024 with the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 133 (VAQ-133) aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, where it was utilized during operations against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

Following these successful deployments, Raytheon secured a $580 million follow-on production contract from the U.S. Navy in May 2025. This contract, which runs through 2028, covers additional NGJ-MB systems for both U.S. and RAAF operations.

“Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band improves our fleet’s warfighting advantage in the electromagnetic spectrum. This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract and disorient adversaries’ radars…”

Progress on the Low-Band Increment

The NGJ program is an evolutionary acquisition divided into multiple spectrum increments. While Raytheon is delivering the Mid-Band pods, progress is also underway for the Low-Band variant (NGJ-LB). Research data shows that in August 2024, the U.S. Navy awarded L3Harris a $587.4 million contract for the engineering and Manufacturing development of the NGJ-LB system, which is also being developed cooperatively with Australia.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the accelerated delivery of the NGJ-MB to the RAAF as a critical indicator of deepening defense interoperability between the United States and Australia. As the strategic focus shifts heavily toward the Indo-Pacific region, spectrum dominance is becoming just as vital as traditional air superiority. The transition to software-defined electronic attack systems like the NGJ-MB highlights a broader defense industry trend: the necessity for agile, easily upgradable platforms that can adapt to rapidly evolving surface-to-air missile systems and advanced adversary radars. By equipping its EA-18G Growlers with this technology, the RAAF is significantly enhancing the survivability of allied 4th and 5th-generation fighters in highly contested airspaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB)?
The NGJ-MB (AN/ALQ-249) is an advanced airborne electronic attack system developed by Raytheon. It uses active electronically scanned arrays to disrupt and degrade enemy radar and communications.

Which aircraft will carry the NGJ-MB for Australia?
The Royal Australian Air Force will mount the NGJ-MB pods on its fleet of 11 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft, based at RAAF Base Amberley.

What system is the NGJ replacing?
The NGJ program is designed to replace the legacy AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been in service since 1972.

Sources: Raytheon Press Release

This article is based on an internal press release from Boeing. The original report is hosted on an internal employee portal; this article summarizes publicly available elements and provided research context.

The Boeing Company has achieved a significant localized supply chain and manufacturing victory in its effort to modernize the United States Air Force’s aging bomber fleet. According to an internal Boeing News Network release, cross-functional teams successfully collaborated to deliver new co-pilot keyboards for the B-52 Stratofortress more than a year ahead of schedule.

This early delivery marks a critical step in transforming the bomber’s antiquated analog flight deck into a 21st-century digital workspace. The B-52 first flew in 1952, and the current fleet of 76 B-52H bombers requires extensive upgrades to remain operational. Based on research data provided to AirPro News, the U.S. Air Force is currently executing a massive $48.6 billion modernization program designed to keep these airframes flying into the 2050s, at which point the aircraft will be nearly a century old.

By securing these vital cockpit components well ahead of the projected timeline, Boeing is actively supporting the ongoing 2026 flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base. The early arrival of the co-pilot keyboards ensures that test aircraft have the necessary avionics hardware to proceed with integration and evaluation without delay.

Replacing the Cold War Cockpit

To understand the significance of a new co-pilot keyboard, we must look at the current state of the B-52H flight deck. The legacy cockpit is notoriously cramped and relies heavily on outdated analog technology. Aircrews have long managed complex, modern mission sets using hardware that visually belongs to a bygone era.

Highlighting the stark contrast between the aircraft’s age and its capabilities, a B-52 instructor weapon systems officer noted in a 2024 interview provided in our research context:

“You look at this keyboard, it looks like something out of the Cold War. Dr. Strangelove, right?”

Despite its antiquated appearance, the instructor confirmed that crews could still execute every mission set, including deploying the most advanced weapons, using the legacy interface. However, as the aircraft transitions to the new B-52J designation, these older systems are being entirely replaced.

The “Glass Cockpit” Transformation

According to program documentation, the dashboard of analog dials is being ripped out in favor of a modern “glass cockpit.” This upgrade includes four large 8×10 color multifunction digital displays, new data concentrator units, and a digital-mechanical hybrid throttle system.

The newly delivered co-pilot keyboards are central to this digital overhaul. Research indicates that these keyboards will interface directly with the aircraft’s upgraded mission computers and the Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT) system. The CONECT system is a vital modernization feature that allows crews to change mission plans and retarget weapons in flight via satellite. Furthermore, the keyboards will integrate with the bomber’s new digital engine gauges, providing the co-pilot with streamlined control over the aircraft’s modernized systems.

The $48.6 Billion B-52J Modernization Effort

The early delivery of the co-pilot keyboards does not exist in a vacuum; it supports two massive, concurrent upgrade programs currently being integrated by Boeing at its facilities in San Antonio, Texas, and Oklahoma City. These initiatives are essential to the bomber’s redesignation as the B-52J.

Radar and Engine Overhauls

The first major initiative is the Radar Modernization Program (RMP). According to defense research data, Boeing is replacing the B-52’s failing 1960s mechanical radar with a new Raytheon AN/APQ-188 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a system derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet. This upgrade requires entirely new high-definition touchscreens and controller interfaces for the navigators and pilots. In December 2025, Boeing delivered the first B-52 equipped with this new radar to Edwards Air Force Base for ground and flight testing, which is taking place throughout 2026.

Concurrently, the Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) is underway. The Air Force is replacing the bomber’s eight obsolete Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines with modern, fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce F130 engines. In late December 2025 and early January 2026, the Pentagon awarded Boeing a $2 billion contract to begin modifying the first two test aircraft with these new engines and their associated digital cockpit controls.

AirPro News analysis

From an industry perspective, the early delivery of the co-pilot keyboards is a notable victory for supply-chain resilience and program momentum. Defense manufacturing has been heavily plagued by post-pandemic supply chain bottlenecks, parts shortages, and siloed engineering in recent years.

The broader B-52 modernization effort has faced intense scrutiny. In 2025, the Pentagon reported that the B-52 engine modernization program could face delays pushing it into 2026, while the radar program had suffered a cost breach. By delivering the co-pilot keyboards more than a year early, Boeing’s internal teams are actively clawing back schedule margins. This cross-functional teamwork not only offsets previous program delays but also guarantees that the test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base will not be held up by avionics hardware shortages during their critical 2026 evaluation phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the B-52 Modernization Program?

It is a $48.6 billion initiative by the U.S. Air Force to upgrade its fleet of 76 Cold War-era B-52H bombers. The upgrades include new Rolls-Royce engines, a modern AESA radar, and a digital “glass cockpit,” which will result in the aircraft being redesignated as the B-52J.

Why is the early delivery of the co-pilot keyboard important?

The new keyboards are essential for interfacing with the upgraded mission computers, digital engine gauges, and satellite communication systems. Delivering them more than a year early helps offset other program delays and ensures that 2026 flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base remains on schedule.

How long will the B-52 remain in service?

With the current modernization efforts, the U.S. Air Force plans to keep the B-52 fleet operational into the 2050s, meaning the airframes will fly for nearly 100 years.

Sources:
Boeing News Network (Internal Press Release)

Anduril Industries has announced a significant milestone in the development of its YFQ-44A autonomous Military-Aircraft, marking a critical step forward for the U.S. Air-Forces’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. According to a recent company press release, the defense technology firm has officially commenced experimental testing of the YFQ-44A with the Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The integration exercise, which took place less than two years after the initial prototype contract award, saw Air Force personnel take the reins of the aircraft’s end-to-end operations. This hands-on testing is designed to bridge the gap between raw technological capability and practical combat application, ensuring the platform can be seamlessly integrated into existing force structures by the end of the decade.

By putting the YFQ-44A directly into the hands of warfighters just six months after its first semi-autonomous flight, Anduril and the Air Force are accelerating the development of tactics, techniques, and procedures. The EOU is currently tasked with writing the playbook for how these collaborative combat aircraft will be deployed, sustained, and operated in future combat scenarios.

Shifting Control to the Warfighter

During the recent exercises at Edwards Air Force Base, the EOU assumed full control over the daily sorties of the YFQ-44A. The aircraft successfully flew from Anduril’s Southern California test site to the military installation, where Air Force operators managed everything from pre-flight and post-flight clearances to weapons loading and unloading. They also handled direct tasking of the air vehicle during taxi and flight operations.

According to the press release, Anduril intentionally front-loaded the development of the aircraft’s autonomy to simplify operations. This early focus on semi-autonomous capabilities allowed EOU maintainers, equipped with only a few days of Training, to successfully launch, recover, and turn the aircraft between missions. The high tempo of these flight operations served as a critical early test of the procedures required to sustain deployed combat operations.

“The seamless hand-off from Anduril personnel to EOU operators validates some of our earliest decisions: put the hardest part of development first, design the aircraft to be simple to operate and sustain, and deliver quickly,” the company stated in its release.

Enabling Agile Combat Employment

A core component of the Air Force’s future strategy is the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, which relies on dispersing aircraft and personnel across multiple, small, and flexible locations to improve survivability in contested environments. To support this doctrine, the YFQ-44A was tested for its ability to operate without the heavy infrastructure typically associated with large, established air bases.

Anduril reported that its Menace-T command, control, communications, and compute (C4) system served as the primary ground element during the exercise. Using just a ruggedized laptop and two Pelican cases, EOU operators were able to upload mission plans, initiate autonomous takeoffs, and task the aircraft mid-flight from a simulated forward operating base.

This minimal logistical footprint proves that the YFQ-44A requires only a fraction of the manpower and equipment needed for traditional unmanned aerial vehicles. Automated software checks and a simplified hardware design further streamlined the training requirements for the ground crew. Following the successful completion of the exercise, the aircraft returned to Anduril’s test site, providing critical data that the Air Force will use to refine future CCA workflows.

AirPro News analysis

We note that the rapid progression of the YFQ-44A from prototype contract award to hands-on military testing underscores the intense urgency surrounding the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. By prioritizing semi-autonomous flight capabilities early in the development cycle, we see that Anduril has effectively reduced the training burden on Air Force personnel, a crucial factor for the success of the ACE concept.

If the U.S. Air Force intends to field a combat-ready CCA fleet by the end of the decade, minimizing the logistical footprint and manpower requirements will be just as important as the aircraft’s aerodynamic performance. The successful use of the Menace-T system to control the YFQ-44A from a simulated forward operating base suggests that the defense industry is making tangible progress toward highly distributed, survivable Drones operations. As we monitor this fast-moving program, these early integration exercises appear vital for building trust between autonomous systems and the human warfighters who will rely on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YFQ-44A?

The YFQ-44A is an autonomous aircraft developed by Anduril Industries as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, designed to operate alongside traditional fighter jets.

What is the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU)?

The EOU is a specialized U.S. Air Force unit responsible for developing the tactics, techniques, and procedures required to integrate, deploy, and sustain new technologies like the CCA ahead of actual combat operations.

How is the YFQ-44A controlled on the ground?

During recent tests, the aircraft was controlled using Anduril’s Menace-T system, which consists of a ruggedized laptop and two Pelican cases, allowing for operations without traditional air base infrastructure.

Sources

• Anduril Industries