History
Background
The Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler served as the United States Navy’s primary electronic warfare aircraft from its introduction in 1971 until its production ended in 1991. Based on the A-6 Intruder airframe, the EA-6B was designed for a crew of four and specialized in radar jamming and radio signal detection for intelligence gathering. Armed with AGM-88 HARM missiles, it disrupted enemy radar systems and collected valuable electronic data from adversary air defense networks. However, by the early 2000s, the Prowler’s aging design required replacement with a more modern, versatile aircraft capable of self-defense.
The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets, derivatives of the earlier McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets, emerged as favorable candidates. These aircraft featured larger airframes, increased fuel capacity, and expanded payload capabilities, making them suitable platforms for electronic warfare missions. Their range, endurance, and modern systems provided the foundation for developing a successor to the EA-6B.
Design and Development
The US Navy selected an electronic-attack version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet as the Prowler’s replacement. This choice met the Navy’s requirements, as the Super Hornet’s advanced flight capabilities allowed it to escort strike groups while conducting jamming operations. Sharing over 90% of its design with the F/A-18F, the EA-18G retained the combat-proven airframe and twin General Electric F414-GE-400 engines, each capable of producing 22,000 lbf (98 kN) of thrust with afterburners. The EA-18G also incorporated the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, featuring a passive detection mode and active radar suppression in later configurations.
Key modifications from the standard Super Hornet included the removal of the 20 mm nose cannon to house advanced electronic-warfare systems. These systems include the AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers, mounted on the wingtips, which replaced the Sidewinder missiles. These receivers operate across Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) to Very High Frequency (VHF) bands, enabling detection, identification, and triangulation of radio sources. This capability enhances situational awareness and reduces the crew’s workload, as the EA-18G’s two-person configuration streamlined operations compared to the four-person crew of the EA-6B.
The EA-18G is equipped with the AN/ALQ-99 jamming pods, a legacy system used since the Vietnam War. This system generates powerful radio signals to disrupt and neutralize enemy radar and sensors. Powered by a ram air turbine, the ALQ-99 operates across a frequency range from 64 MHz to 20 GHz. Despite its utility, the ALQ-99 was prone to reliability issues and interference with the EA-18G’s AESA radar, complicating operations. The pod’s limitations eventually led to the development of the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ), which offers increased jamming power and autonomous threat response capabilities. The EA-18G can carry three to five ALQ-99 pods on its underwing pylons.
In addition to electronic-warfare systems, the EA-18G carries a limited weapons load, typically two AIM-120 AMRAAMs for air-to-air defense and two AGM-88 HARMs or AGM-154 JSOWs for anti-radiation or standoff strikes. The Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) enables improved target acquisition and situational awareness during high-G maneuvers.
The cockpit is designed for a pilot and an electronic warfare officer, both equipped with advanced digital controls, including touch-screen liquid crystal displays (LCDs) for mission management and tactical navigation.
EA-18G Growler’s Mission and Role in Electronic Warfare
The EA-18G Growler is a carrier- and land-based electronic warfare aircraft designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications. Its primary mission is to suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD) during the early stages of conflict, ensuring safe passage for friendly forces.
The Growler integrates AN/ALQ-218 receivers and AN/ALQ-99 jamming pods to create a comprehensive electronic warfare system capable of detecting, jamming, and disabling enemy radar and communication networks. The AESA radar enhances jamming precision, allowing focused disruption of specific threats. This capability is critical for countering surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery reliant on radar guidance. The INCANS system allows the crew to maintain voice communication even while jamming enemy signals, a significant improvement over the EA-6B.
Additionally, the EA-18G performs electronic intelligence gathering and strike missions, utilizing its AGM-88 HARM missiles and AGM-154 JSOW weapons to destroy enemy radar and communication sites. For self-defense, it can employ AIM-120 AMRAAMs and control with the Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, which enhances situational awareness and weapons targeting in dynamic engagements.
Operational Service in Royal Australian Air Force
After the EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service with the US Navy in late 2009, the Australian Government expressed interest in acquiring an Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) capability in 2008. The EA-18G was identified as the sole candidate, leading Australia to seek US export approval for the aircraft. In February 2009, the Australian government amended its order of F/A-18F Super Hornets to include a production modification that would allow the final twelve aircraft to be converted into EA-18G Growlers.
By May 2013, however, Australia opted to purchase 12 new-build Growlers rather than converting existing Super Hornets. This decision followed an August 2012 advisory from the US that Growler production might cease by 2015. In June 2014, Boeing was awarded a contract to produce 12 Growlers for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the US Navy.
The acquisition of the EA-18G introduced a unique and transformative capability to the RAAF. Comparable in impact to the introduction of the F-111C in the 1970s, the Growler provides advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, including electronic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These capabilities enhance situational awareness, reduce operational risks, and support a range of defense missions. The Growler complements other aircraft in the RAAF fleet, such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet and F-35A Lightning II, by integrating seamlessly into joint operations.
In July 2015, Australia received its first EA-18G, with the remaining jets delivered by mid-2017. These aircraft are operated by No. 6 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. The Australian Growlers were adapted to meet specific operational needs. Drawing on lessons from the US Navy’s 2011 Operation Odyssey Dawn over Libya, the RAAF equipped its Growlers with Raytheon’s AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR targeting pod. This addition addressed the need for visual confirmation of targets detected through EW systems, offering capabilities such as thermographic imaging, laser designation, and target tracking. The Growlers were also outfitted with AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for enhanced air-to-air defense.
While awaiting delivery of their aircraft, RAAF crews were trained by the US Navy at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) was conducted in early 2017 before the Growlers returned to Australia. The first RAAF Growlers appeared at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon in March 2017, and all twelve aircraft (serials A46-301 to A46-312) were fully operational with No. 6 Squadron by mid-2017.
The squadron achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) between 2018 and 2019, with Final Operational Capability (FOC) due for 2022. During IOC, Growler crews collaborated closely with No. 1 Squadron (Super Hornets) to refine joint tactical operations and training. The RAAF also worked extensively with the US Navy to gain insights into decades of Airborne Electronic Attack expertise. Australian Growlers participated in major international exercises, including US Red Flag in 2018 and 2020, where they demonstrated their effectiveness in high-threat, coalition-force environments.
In February 2023, the Australian government approved a AU$ 2 billion project to sustain and enhance the Growler fleet’s capabilities. Boeing was contracted to upgrade the RAAF’s Growlers with advanced systems, including the AN/ALQ-249 Next-Generation Jammer to replace the older ALQ-99 system, an upgraded sensor suite, and longer-range anti-radiation missiles. These enhancements will significantly boost the Growler’s ability to counter both current and emerging threats.
Today, the EA-18G Growler represents a fundamental part of the RAAF’s electronic warfare capability. Its unmatched situational awareness and tactical versatility make Australia the first country outside the US to operate this level of Airborne Electronic Attack technology, solidifying its role as a vital asset in the nation’s defense strategy.
