Northrop Grumman Unveils New Precision Guidance Kit to Enhance 155mm Artillery's Anti-Jamming Capabilities

Northrop Grumman will produce a new version of its Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) designed to ensure 155mm artillery maintains accuracy even when GPS signals are degraded or jammed. The PGK E5 adds anti-jamming technology to the existing guidance kit while retaining the same form factor and compatibility with deployed artillery systems. This upgrade is intended to allow the U.S. Army and its allies to continue using GPS-guided artillery in environments where electronic warfare may disrupt satellite navigation. The company added that recent testing in GPS-degraded conditions showed the PGK E5 exceeded established accuracy requirements and target accuracy levels.

Production has already commenced at the company's facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, with initial deliveries expected in early 2028.

Design and Features of the PGK E5

The PGK E5 is designed to convert existing 155mm high-explosive artillery rounds into precision-guided weapons without the need for significant modifications to the ammunition or the artillery systems that fire them. The kit attaches to the front of compatible munitions and provides GPS-based guidance during flight, enabling artillery units to strike targets with greater precision than traditional unguided shells. The new E5 version adds anti-jamming capabilities, aiming to maintain this precision when enemy forces attempt to jam GPS signals. Northrop Grumman emphasizes that this upgrade does not alter the kit's form factor, shape, or user experience, remaining compatible with existing 155mm ammunition and deployed howitzers, meaning troops will not need extensive retraining or modifications to their artillery systems.

Dave Fine, Vice President of Weapon Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated, "The current threat environment demands speed and innovation, and we are working closely with the U.S. Army to ensure the PGK E5 keeps mobile forces combat-ready in GPS-degraded environments. The PGK has decades of proven performance and increasing production, continuing to deliver reliable, ready-now technology that warfighters can depend on."

The Importance of Anti-Jamming Capabilities

The PGK E5 builds upon the M1156 Precision Guidance Kit, which has been deployed to improve the accuracy of traditional 155mm artillery rounds. Northrop Grumman says testing of the new version in GPS-degraded environments showed its accuracy exceeded the Army's minimum and target requirements. Greater accuracy can reduce the amount of ammunition needed to hit a target while potentially limiting collateral damage and reducing the time artillery units are exposed to enemy counterfire. Thus, the anti-jamming capability aims to protect the value of existing precision artillery as battlefield electronic warfare becomes increasingly complex.

By maintaining reliable guidance when GPS signals are jammed, the system allows forces to continue using precision munitions without relying on significant modifications to existing artillery platforms or ammunition. Additionally, because the system can be integrated with current munitions and artillery systems, the Army and its allies can deploy the upgrade without waiting for entirely new artillery weapons or making major changes to existing infrastructure.

How PGK E5 Addresses Modern Warfare Challenges

As the threat of electronic warfare increases, Northrop Grumman's PGK E5 offers a crucial solution, enabling 155mm artillery to maintain precision strike capabilities even when GPS signals are degraded. This not only enhances the operational flexibility of artillery but also reduces the reliance on new weapon systems, thereby speeding up deployment. The design of the PGK E5 ensures compatibility with existing artillery systems, which is crucial for the rapid adaptation required in modern military operations.