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Navy contracts Orbital ATK for additional AARGM missiles

Orbital received the $359 million contract to continue full-rate production of AGM-88E advanced anti-radiation guided missiles.

By Richard Tomkins
A U.S. Navy fighter fires an AGM-88E missile. U.S. Navy photo
A U.S. Navy fighter fires an AGM-88E missile. U.S. Navy photo

Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Orbital ATK announced Wednesday a U.S. Navy contract to continue full-rate production of AGM-88E advanced anti-radiation guided missiles.

The contract, worth $359 million, included an initial award of $157 million for Lot Six full-rate production of the missiles and an option for Lot Seven.

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"Today's battlefield is rapidly evolving and the number of threats emerging around the world continues to grow," Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager of Orbital ATK's Defense Electronic Systems Division, said in a press release.

"AARGM is an affordable solution that provides advanced capabilities to those protecting our nation and allies each and every day."

The AARGM is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile system that upgrades legacy AGM-88 HARM system. It is able to engage traditional and non-traditional advanced land- and sea-based air-defense threats and time-sensitive targets.

Orbital ATK said the contract covers all-up round missiles and captive air training missiles for the U.S. Navy, Italian Air Force and other allies through Foreign Military Sales program. The missile is integrated into the weapons systems on the FA-18C/D Hornet, FA-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.

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