ATK to supply AARGM missiles to US Navy

The US Navy has awarded a contract to ATK for a third lot of low-rate initial production (LRIP) Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM).

The $54.4m contract includes associated support equipment and brings the total number of production missiles to 115.

The supersonic, air-launched tactical missile features an advanced multi-sensor system consisting of millimetre wave (MMW) terminal seeker, advanced anti-radiation homing (ARH) receiver and global positioning system/inertial navigation system (GPS/INS).

AARGM, an upgraded version of the AGM-88 HARM system, is capable of engaging traditional and advanced enemy air defence threats as well as non-radar time-sensitive targets.

The missile will be integrated with the F-35, EA-6B, and US and Allied F-16 aircraft after the completion of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) phase.

The contract also authorises production of the missiles for the Italian Air Force.