DEPLOYED

ALQ-218 Electronic Warfare System (AI)

US — Northrop Grumman
Electronic Warfare
DEPLOYED
2009

Description

AI-enhanced electronic warfare suite for EA-18G Growler with automated threat library updates and autonomous jamming response. Machine learning optimizes jamming waveforms in real-time.

ALQ-218 uses an AI-managed emitter database of over 10,000 known radar and communications signatures that is continuously updated with new emissions collected during operational missions. The system's machine learning capability allows it to characterize novel emissions that do not match existing database entries and develop effective jamming responses without requiring manual updates from ground-based analysts. EA-18G Growler aircraft carrying ALQ-218 can provide stand-off jamming support for strike packages at ranges that keep them outside the engagement envelope of most surface-to-air missile systems.

Notable Use

US Navy carrier operations; used in Middle East and Pacific theater EW missions

Related Systems

Investment Implications

Northrop Grumman (NOC) is the primary publicly traded beneficiary of ALQ-218 production and upgrades. L3Harris (LHX) competes for electronic warfare pod contracts on US Navy aircraft.