// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
NGJ
NGJ, or Next Generation Jammer, is an advanced airborne electronic warfare system designed to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems, making it harder for adversaries to detect and target friendly forces. It functions by emitting powerful electronic signals to jam or deceive enemy sensors.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Next Generation Jammer (NGJ), officially designated AN/ALQ-249, is an advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) system developed by Raytheon Intelligence & Space for the U.S. Navy's EA-18G Growler aircraft, designed to deny, degrade, or deceive hostile integrated air defense systems (IADS) and communication networks. It comprises three increments: NGJ Mid-Band (NGJ-MB), NGJ Low-Band (NGJ-LB), and NGJ High-Band (NGJ-HB), providing expanded frequency coverage and enhanced jamming capabilities against sophisticated threats.
BACKGROUND
The military budget of the United States is the largest portion of the discretionary federal budget allocated to the Department of Defense (DoD), or more broadly, the portion of the budget that goes to any military-related expenditures. It pays the salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new items. The budget funds the six branches of the US military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Critics contend that recent U.S. defense budgets have disproportionately invested in long-term developmental programs instead of producing weapons systems needed in the near term.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Next Generation Jammer
- AN/ALQ-249
- EA-18G Jammer
- Growler Jammer
- Airborne Jammer
USAGE NOTE
NGJ is critical for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD) missions, enabling safe passage for strike aircraft by neutralizing adversary radar and communications.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to NGJ.
RTX is the prime contractor for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) and Low-Band (NGJ-LB) systems for the U.S. Navy, developing advanced electronic attack capabilities.
A major defense contractor, Northrop Grumman has a strong focus on advanced electronic warfare systems and related technologies directly applicable to next-generation jamming capabilities, and was a competitor for NGJ-MB.
L3Harris develops a broad range of electronic warfare and integrated mission systems. They have actively pursued opportunities related to the Next Generation Jammer program, leveraging their expertise in digital RF technologies.
BAE Systems is a global leader in electronic warfare and countermeasures, developing advanced jamming and electronic attack solutions that align with the requirements of the Next Generation Jammer program, and has competed for NGJ increments.
As a U.S. Navy command, NAVAIR is responsible for the acquisition, development, and sustainment of naval aircraft and associated systems, including direct oversight and requirements development for the Next Generation Jammer program.