Italy Completes AARGM Operational Tests
Italy's Tornado ECR defense suppression aircraft become the fourth type—and the first non-U.S. aircraft—to be cleared to fire the AARGM missile.
Italy's specialist defense suppression squadron is the 155° Gruppo based at Ghedi, which flies the Tornado IT-ECR version. The unit is to receive AARGM missiles shortly to augment the existing HARM weapons. (photo: Aeronautica Militare Italiana via NG)
Italy's specialist defense suppression squadron is the 155° Gruppo based at Ghedi, which flies the Tornado IT-ECR version. The unit is to receive AARGM missiles shortly to augment the existing HARM weapons. (photo: Aeronautica Militare Italiana via NG)

Northrop Grumman announced that the Aeronautica Militare Italiana (AMI, Italian air force) has completed its operational testing of the AGM-88E AARGM (advanced anti-radiation guided missile) on its Tornado ECR (electronic combat and reconnaissance) aircraft. The flight tests were performed at the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center at China Lake, California, and culminated in two direct hits on air defense targets. With these tests successfully completed the delivery of AARGM to operational units can proceed.


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