By Ryan Maass

The Next Generation Jammer program aims to improve the EA-18G Growler's electronic warfare capabilities. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Cody M. Deccio 

Boeing has received a $308 million contract modification to provide Next Generation Jammer integration services for the U.S. Navy's EA-18G aircraft.

The contract supports the Next Generation Jammer program's engineering phase, and also includes design and manufacturing tasks for 12 ECP 6472 kits, NGJ pod testing, and additional supporting equipment.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, work will take place at various locations including St. Louis, Mo., and Bethpage, N.Y. The work is expected to be complete by December 2021.

Boeing received $11 million in testing and evaluation funds at the time of the award. The Naval Air Systems Command is listed as the contracting activity.

The Next Generation Jammer is a Raytheon-led effort to improve airborne electronic warfare capabilities while replacing the existing AN/ALQ-99 pods used by EA-18G Growler aircraft. Industry partners are aiming to reach initial operating capability for the new pods in 2021.

The EA-18G Growler is a Boeing-made variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, designed to focus on electronic warfare tactics. Boeing says the plane features the most advanced airborne electronic attack platform in the market.