The capability of Australia’s Air Force to launch electronic attacks will be significantly improved by essential enhancements to the fleet of electronic aircraft and accompanying ranges.
Project AIR 5349 Phase 6 – Advanced Growler is now in the process of modernizing the capabilities of the EA-18G Growler. This will provide the Air Force with essential technology that is at the forefront of innovation worldwide.
Electronic attack aircraft have the capability to interfere with, deceive, or deny a wide variety of military electronic systems, such as radar and communications.
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry, stated that the programme was providing cutting-edge technology that the Air Force need “to meet an increasingly complex and uncertain strategic environment.”
Enhanced electronic warfare training ranges capability; facility improvements at Amberley near Brisbane and the Delamere Air training area near Katherine in the Northern Territory; 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; Anti-radiation missile war stock; Enhanced electronic warfare training ranges capability
The initiative will ensure that all United States Navy aircraft are compatible with each other.
CEA Technologies, an Australian company that specializes in radar, has been given a contract worth $277 million to deliver improved capabilities for electronic warfare ranges in Australia.
For the purpose of enhancing the capabilities of the entire combined force as well as supporting a variety of training exercises, the contract will comprise a number of fixed and portable emitters.
According to Mr. Conroy, the Australian businesses will be “engaged as much as feasible throughout the life of this enterprise.”
