Defense firm Northrop Grumman announced on Wednesday that it would produce the PGK E5, an advanced Precision Guidance Kit with anti-jamming technology for GPS-degraded artillery operations, enhancing the capabilities of the existing 155 mm projectiles.
Northrop Grumman’s press release:
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will produce the PGK E5, a next-generation of the M1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) featuring critical anti-jam capabilities, enabling U.S. Army and allied forces to maintain artillery operations in GPS degraded environments.
- The PGK E5 transforms existing 155 mm high-explosive projectiles into cost-effective, GPS-guided weapons, delivering precise, reliable indirect fires in current threat environments.
- Upgraded capabilities of the PGK E5 include advanced anti-jam technology to overcome emerging electronic threats, ensuring accuracy even in contested battlefield environments, while maintaining the same trusted reliability, form factor and user experience as the current PGK.
- In recent testing conducted in GPS-degraded environments, PGK E5 demonstrated accuracy exceeding both threshold and objective requirements. This precision reduces collateral damage and rounds per engagement, increasing warfighter survivability.
Expert:
Dave Fine, vice president, armament systems, Northrop Grumman: “Today’s threat environment demands speed and innovation and we’re working closely with the U.S. Army to ensure the PGK E5 keeps maneuver forces ready to win in GPS degraded environments. With decades of proven performance and growing production, PGK continues to deliver reliable, mission-ready technology that warfighters can count on.”
Details on the PGK E5:
As GPS jamming becomes more prevalent, Northrop Grumman has collaborated with the U.S. Army to innovate and deliver a solution for PGK, all without altering the fit, form or factor to integrate with 155mm artillery.
Production is underway at Northrop Grumman’s Plymouth, Minnesota facility with first deliveries expected in early 2028.
Compatible with existing 155 mm projectiles and fielded howitzers, the PGK E5 requires minimal retraining or system changes, enabling rapid fielding and deployment.