Northrop Grumman announced an MoA with ROK’s Hanwha to develop a booster for the AReS weapon system, a surface-launch application for AARGM-ER or SiAW missiles.
Within the scope of a recently signed MoA, Hanwha will provide a booster for Northrop Grumman’s ongoing AReS project, which intends to provide the capabilities of air-launched AGM-88G AARGM-ER and/or AGM-88J SiAW missiles to surface units.
Previously, Northrop Grumman displayed its containerised AReS system without a booster on missiles, which has raised questions regarding the range losses compared to air launch due to the missiles being rocket-powered.
Judging by the size of the booster, it can be said that the surface-launched AGM-88G/J missiles will have closer conditions to the air launch case after the boost stage.
AReS with AGM-88G missiles can specifically target radars within their range, which would provide on-demand SEAD/DEAD capabilities without needing an aircraft. Coupled with the palletised nature of the launcher, this can be regarded as contributive to expeditionary warfare that the US has been heavily investing in. On the other hand, the multi-role AGM-88J SiAW with a broader target and identical interface to AGM-88G can provide fire support at longer ranges against non-emitting and moving targets as an alternative to the PrSM SRBM.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
