Six U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft are on their way to Europe
The United States will deploy six U.S. Navy Growler aircraftm, equipped for electronic warfare, and 240 support troops to Germany to help bolster NATO’s eastern flank, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby announced Monday.
The aircraft will remain based in Germany and are expected to fly missions in support of eastern flank deterrence and defense.
“This is in order to bolster readiness, enhance NATO’s collective defense posture and further increase air integration capabilities with our allied and partner nations,” Kirby said. “These Growlers … are equipped for a variety of missions. But they do specialize in flying electronic warfare missions, using a suite of jamming sensors to confuse enemy radars, greatly aiding in the ability to conduct suppression of enemy air defense operations.”
Washington has made clear that it will not send planes or personnel into direct combat against Russia. “They are not being deployed to be used against Russian forces in Ukraine,” Kirby said. “They are being deployed completely in keeping with our efforts to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities along that eastern flank.”
The six aircraft are from VAQ 134, an electronic attack squadron also known as the “Garudas.” The EA-18G Growler is a variant of the F/A-18 aircraft and combines the “Super Hornet” platform with an electronic warfare suite.
EA-18G Growler integrates the latest electronic attack technology, including the ALQ-218 receiver, ALQ-99 tactical jamming pods, ALQ-227 Communication Countermeasures Set and Joint Tactical Terminal — Receiver satellite communications, according to U.S. Navy.
The EA-18G Growler is the most advanced airborne electronic attack (AEA) platform. It is a variant of the F/A-18 aircraft and combines the “Super Hornet” platform with an electronic warfare suite.
The Growler provides tactical jamming and electronic protection to U.S. military forces and ensure protection during high-threat missions.
