The U.S. Navy has announced the initial operational capability (IOC) of the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system, a cutting-edge upgrade designed to enhance electronic warfare capabilities.
This milestone marks a significant leap from legacy systems, providing improved power, flexibility, and advanced jamming techniques for global operations.
Rear Adm. John Lemmon, Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, described NGJ-MB as a game-changer in electromagnetic warfare: “This system provides enhanced capabilities to deny, distract, and disorient adversaries’ radars, protecting our naval aviators and allowing them to carry out their missions in contested airspace.”
The system was battle-tested during the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group’s recent five-month deployment. Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 became the first to deploy and utilise NGJ-MB in combat, demonstrating its effectiveness in operational scenarios.
Developed by Raytheon, NGJ-MB is part of the broader Next Generation Jammer system, which aims to replace the aging ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System on EA-18G Growlers. Equipped with advanced digital and electronically scanned array technologies, the system delivers capabilities to disrupt and degrade enemy air defence and communications networks.
Capt. David Rueter, program manager for Airborne Electronic Attack Systems, praised the collaborative effort: “The achievement of NGJ-MB IOC is a positive reflection on the hard work, innovation, and resilience from a dedicated team of government and industry professionals who have developed and fielded this critical capability to the warfighters.”
Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bedwell, NGJ-MB Deputy Integrated Product Team Lead, stressed its impact on the fleet’s ability to counter threats: “The era of isolated surface-to-air missile systems, which operate within a non-agile and limited frequency range, is behind us.”
