The US Navy has awarded a full-rate production contract to Alliant Techsystems (ATK) to develop and deliver advanced anti-radiation guided missiles (AARGM).
Under the third $96.2m contract, ATK will also provide captive air training missile systems for the US Navy and Italian Air Force.
ATK Defense Electronic Systems unit vice-president and general manager Bill Kasting said: "AARGM continues to provide significant, advanced capabilities to those who protect our nation each and every day.
"We look forward to continuing to provide this critical weapons system on schedule and on budget to the US Navy and our allies."
An upgraded version of the AGM-88 HARM, the AARGM supersonic air-launched tactical missile system can perform destruction of enemy air defence missions, in addition to engaging conventional and superior defence land and sea-based air-defence threats and non-radar time-sensitive strike targets.
AARGM features sophisticated system for pilots, with in-cockpit, real-time electronic order of battle situational awareness against emerging surface-to-air threats.
Already integrated on the US Navy’s FA-18C/D Hornet aircraft, the system is being prepared for installation on the EA-18G Growler and FA-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, in addition to the Italian Air Force’s Tornado ECR aircraft.
Furthermore, the AARGM can be integrated onboard the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft, Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler aircraft and allied FA-18s, in addition to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons, which are deployed by the US and coalition forces.
Upon achieving initial operational capability in July 2012, the navy approved full-rate production of the AARGM in September of the same year.
