Australia Upgrades EA-18G Growler Capability

07 Februari 2023

RAAF EA-18G Growler (photo : Aus DoD)

Boosting Australia's national security by investing in stronger electronic attack capability through the advanced Growler

The Albanese Government is delivering vital upgrades to the Royal Australian Airforce’s fleet of electronic aircraft and associated ranges, strengthening the nation’s electronic attack capability.

The Government is upgrading our EA-18G Growler capability through Project AIR 5349 Phase 6 - Advanced Growler, providing the RAAF with critical world leading technology for the future.

The EA-18G Growler is an electronic attack aircraft capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications.

Upgrades include:

o   Cooperative development of the Next-Generation Jammer weapon system with the United States Navy to gradually replace the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System

o   Aircraft modifications including sensor upgrades

o   Anti-radiation missile war stock.

o   New longer-range and more advanced anti-radiation missiles.

o   Upgrades to the electronic warfare training ranges capability

o   Facility upgrades at Amberley near Brisbane and the Delamere Air Training Area near Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The project will ensure commonality with United States Navy aircraft.

World leading Australian radar company CEA Technologies has been awarded a $277 million contract to provide advanced capabilities for Australia’s electronic warfare ranges.

The contract will include a number of fixed and portable emitters to support training exercises and strengthen capability across the joint force.

It is the first contract to be awarded under Phase 6, which has an approved budget of over $2 billion.

(Aus DoD)