Vital upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of electronic aircraft and associated ranges will strengthen Australia’s electronic attack capability. The EA-18G Growler capability is being overhauled through Project AIR 5349 Phase 6 – Advanced Growler, providing the Air Force with critical world-leading technology.
The electronic attack aircraft is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radar and communications. Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the project was delivering the leading-edge technology the Air Force needed “to face an increasingly complex and uncertain strategic environment”.
The project will ensure commonality with United States Navy aircraft. Upgrades include:
- Cooperative development of the Next-Generation Jammer weapon system with the United States Navy to gradually replace the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System
- Aircraft modifications, including sensor upgrades
- Anti-radiation missile war stock
- Longer-range and more advanced anti-radiation missiles
- Enhanced electronic warfare training ranges capability
- Facility improvements at Amberley near Brisbane and the Delamere Air training area near Katherine in the Northern Territory