Raytheon [RTN] has won the Navy’s contract for the next generation jammer that is designed to defeat enemy radar and will be installed the service’s fleet of EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets.
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| An EA-18G in the foreground. Photo by Boeing. |
Raytheon won the $279.4-million contract Monday over Northrop Grumman [NOC] and BAE Systems. The Navy has been buying the Boeing [BA]-built EA-18Gs and the program of record is 135.
The first next generation jammer, or NGJ, is to be first installed on an EA-18G in 2020, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said. Raytheon’s contract award covers the technology development phase of the NGJ.
The jammer is to replace the ALQ-99 operating on EA-18Gs and the legacy EA-6B Prowlers that are being replaced by the EA-18Gs.
“Raytheon looks forward to building on our long-standing relationship with the U.S. Navy as we provide the warfighter with innovative and reliable Next Generation Jammer solutions now and for many years to come,” said Rick Yuse, the president of Raytheon’s space and airborne systems unit.
It was unclear whether the losing companies intend to protest the award with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The firms can request a briefing from the Navy on their decision and then have 10 days to lodge protests.