Since World War II, dedicated electronic warfare aircraft have been equipped with electronic sensors and transmission systems to degrade the effectiveness of enemy radar, radio, and infrared systems by using jamming and deception methods. Air war history is full of wars, such as in Bekaa Valley, where the conflict was won by very judicious use of electronic attacks.
As the Growler recently scored its first air-to-air kill, the EurAsian Times provides an in-depth analysis of the US Navy’s FA-18G EW Aircraft and how it is and has been a game changer.
Major countries developed special aircraft for this purpose, operating in stand-off roles or as Electronic Warfare Escorts to strike aircraft packages. Because of large electric power generation requirements, initial aircraft were based on cargo or bomber aircraft designs. But to escort modern fighters, equivalent fighter aircraft were needed. Boeing EA-18G Growler was one very successful example.
The EA-18G Growler is the U.S. Navy’s (USN) replacement for the EA-6B Prowler. The Growler shares more than 90% of its characteristics with the standard Super Hornet. Around 170 aircraft have been built to date.
The EA-18G replaced the Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers in service with the USN. The EA-18G began production in 2007 and entered operational service with the USN in late 2009.
The EA-18G was first used in combat during Operation Odyssey Dawn, enforcing the UN no-fly zone over Libya in 2011. Five EA-18Gs were redeployed from Iraq to support operations in Libya in 2011.
The Growler was deployed as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, where one destroyed a Houthi Mil Mi-24 “Hind” on the ground with an Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) AGM-88E missile.
