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