By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor
The Netherlands and Poland are set to receive the AGM-88G AARGM-ER (Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile – Extended Range), marking their first foray into anti-radiation weaponry. This acquisition significantly enhances their ability to execute Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defense; that is, the SEAD/DEAD missions.
The U.S. State Department has greenlit the potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of the new AGM-88G AARGM-ER to these nations. Despite being operators of the F-16, neither country had previously procured the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM).
This paradigm shifted with the advent of the F-35A Lightning II, an aircraft that highly emphasizes SEAD/DEAD missions as part of its operational mandate. The Netherlands is set to receive 265 AGM-88G missiles, while Poland will get 360 missiles. Each country will also receive eight space guidance and spare control sections.
The AGM-88G AARGM-ER is designed to be employed by the F/A-18, E/A-18G, and F-35 to passively detect and guide radio frequency emissions from a radar site and then transition to an active millimeter wave terminal radar to detect, track, degrade, and destroy radio frequency-enabled, surface-to-air missile systems. This missile introduces a larger diameter but shorter rocket motor for increased range, F-35A and F-35C internal weapons bay fitment, and a new warhead.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notice, the proposed sales will bolster the Netherlands’ and Poland’s capabilities to counter current and future threats by suppressing and destroying land or sea-land-based radar emitters linked with enemy air defenses. This capability effectively neutralizes the adversary’s air defense systems, enhancing allied tactical aircraft’s survivability.
The FMS of the AARGM-ER to the Netherlands and Poland followed similar sales to Australia and Finland last year, who requested 63 and 150 missiles, respectively. While the Netherlands, Poland, and Finland would only deploy the AGM-88G on the F-35A, Australia can employ the new missile on its F/A-18F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers.
The AGM-88G AARGM-ER represents the next step in the evolution of the AGM-88 HARM, specifically the AGM-88E AARGM variant. This medium-range air-to-ground missile is primarily used for SEAD/DEAD missions. The AGM-88E is the product of a cooperative program with the Italian Air Force initiated in 2005 and was developed as an upgrade and supplement to the AGM-88B/C. The AARGM program engineered a new Guidance Section and modified the existing Control Section, which are combined with the legacy HARM Rocket Motor and Warhead Section, wings, and fins.
The updated Guidance Section boasts a passive anti-radiation receiver, satellite and inertial navigation system, with a millimeter wave radar for terminal guidance. It also has the added capability to transmit photos of the target via a satellite link before impact. These enhancements aim to boost the effectiveness of the legacy HARM, particularly against enemy radar and communications sites that would power down to evade incoming anti-radiation missiles (counter-shutdown capability) or unexpected threats.
According to the U.S. Navy, the foundational capabilities of the AARGM encompass a broadened range of targets, the ability to counteract shutdown procedures, sophisticated signal processing for enhanced detection and location determination, and geographic precision that enables aircrew to designate areas for missile impact and avoidance. Additionally, it possesses a capability to broadcast weapon impact assessments, which aids in evaluating battle damage. This extensive array of features positions the AARGM-ER as a powerful asset in contemporary warfare.
The acquisition of the AGM-88G AARGM-ER by the Netherlands and Poland signifies a shift in modern warfare tactics. It emphasizes the importance of advanced weaponry in enhancing a country’s defense capabilities. As emerging threats and technological advancements continue to shape the warfare landscape, the role of such advanced anti-radiation-guided missiles will become increasingly crucial. The AGM-88G AARGM-ER, with its advanced features and capabilities, is set to play a pivotal role in this changing scenario.
