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Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 has completed a historic five-month deployment to the Middle East and Eastern Pacific as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ABECSG). The squadron, which departed Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, on July 13, 2024, returned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in December, marking a significant milestone in airborne electronic warfare (AEW).
For the first time, the squadron deployed with the ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer (NGJ), an advanced electronic warfare system designed to counter emerging threats in the electromagnetic spectrum. The NGJ, equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and digital software, offers enhanced jamming capabilities to disrupt enemy air defenses and communication systems. It operates across multiple frequency bands—Mid-Band (MB), Low Band (LB), and High Band (HB)—and is engineered to evolve quickly through hardware and software updates, ensuring it stays ahead of advancing adversary capabilities.
The NGJ-MB variant, which focuses on the middle-frequency bands, was successfully integrated into the EA-18G Growler aircraft, with modifications made to the aircraft’s hardware and software to enable the system’s carriage and operation. The NGJ-MB entered full production in 2023 after achieving Milestone C in 2021 and is a joint program between the U.S. and Australian Department of Defense. This system is set to replace the legacy ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System currently in use on the EA-18G Growler.
During the deployment, VAQ-133 achieved several significant milestones, including the first NGJ arrested landing and operational use of the system in combat scenarios. According to Cmdr. Erik Dente, commanding officer of VAQ-133, the deployment showcased the game-changing capabilities of the NGJ and highlighted the Growler’s crucial role in modern warfare.
With plans to expand the NGJ’s capabilities, including the upcoming NGJ-LB to address lower-frequency threats, this historic deployment reinforces the growing importance of next-gen electronic warfare systems in enhancing military readiness and operational success.
