L3Harris Secures $876 Million U.S. Navy Award for Next-Generation Jammer Program
L3Harris Technologies has been awarded an $876.4 million contract modification by the U.S. Navy for developing its Next Generation Jammer Low Band (NGJ-LB) electronic warfare aircraft system to interfere with enemy radar and communication systems.
The contract was made public on October 19, 2026, to support the project with its next engineering and manufacturing development phase. As per L3Harris, the total value of the contract is estimated at $876,440,942 and will expedite its development schedule.
The contract is classified as an undefinitized contract modification, which means the work authorization is issued even before the terms of the contract are finalized. The award does not indicate that the jammer has entered into full-rate production or service operation stage.
Next Generation Jammer Low Band
NGJ-LB is currently being developed to enhance the capability of the United States Navy's airborne electronic warfare, especially against threats utilizing lower frequency segments of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The purpose of NGJ-LB is to disrupt the adversary’s radar and communications in order to make it hard for them to detect, locate, track, and coordinate attacks against friendly aircraft. Electronic jamming may be employed in strike operations and in a contested air environment in order to disrupt the sensors and communication systems of air defenses.
What the $876 Million Award Covers
Contract modifications include aspects that are related to engineering and manufacturing developments. Specialised tooling and equipment, as well as system demonstration test article pods, will be provided by L3Harris.
Additional cybersecurity and system security development, as well as product support, logistics, software support, and testing and evaluation services for the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command are also included.
These efforts will help advance the NGJ-LB program and assist in the evaluation and preparation of the system for integration in the future. It is worth noting that L3Harris has not identified this contract as a full-rate production contract.
Supporting the EA-18G Growler’s Electronic Warfare Mission
NGJ-LB is one component of a larger programme by the U.S. Navy towards modernising the electronic attack capabilities of its aircraft. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare aircraft developed specifically for use by the naval aviation arm and strike forces of the Navy.
The Growler presently employs the AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been upgraded over time. The Next Generation Jammer programme is geared towards providing enhanced electronic attack capabilities in light of the evolving nature of radar, communications and air defence systems.
Modular Approach to Future Upgrades
This contract modification from L3Harris is made with an objective of future technology integration with joint forces and allies of the United States of America. The modification is announced by L3Harris in the context of the existing programs it is engaged in related to airborne electronic attacks of the Navy.
It is evident that the contract modification worth $876.4 million is indeed a huge financial commitment made towards the development of the NGJ-LB. Its future milestones will be determined by engineering developments and testing.
Author: Kevin Macmellon
