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| A/R/UGM-84 Harpoon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Anti-ship missile |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1977–present |
| Used by | Seeoperators |
| Wars | Iran–Iraq War Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas Boeing Defense, Space & Security |
| Unit cost | US$1,406,812 for Harpoon Block II (2020)[1] |
| No. built | 7,500[2] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1,523 lb (691 kg) including booster |
| Length |
|
| Diameter | 13.5 in (34 cm) |
| Wingspan | 3 ft (0.91 m) |
| Warhead | 488 pounds (221 kg) |
Detonation mechanism | Impactfuze |
| Engine | Teledyne CAE J402 turbojet/solid propellant booster for surface and submarine launch; greater than 600 lbf (2,700 N) of thrust |
Operational range |
|
| Flight altitude | Sea-skimming |
| Maximum speed | |
Guidance system | Sea-skimming cruise monitored byradar altimeter,active radar terminal homing |
Launch platform |
|
TheHarpoon is an all-weather,over-the-horizon,anti-ship missile manufactured byMcDonnell Douglas (nowBoeing Defense, Space & Security). TheAGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) and laterAGM-84H/K SLAM-ER (Standoff Land Attack Missile – Expanded Response) arecruise missile variants.
The regular Harpoon usesactive radar homing and flies just above the water to evade defenses. The missile can be launched from:
In 1965, theUnited States Navy began studies for a missile in the 24-nautical-mile (45 km) range class for use against surfacedsubmarines. The name Harpoon was assigned to the project. The sinking of the IsraelidestroyerEilat in 1967 by a Soviet-builtStyx anti-ship missile shocked senior United States Navy officers, who until then had not appreciated the threat posed by anti-ship missiles. In 1970Chief of Naval Operations AdmiralElmo Zumwalt accelerated the development of Harpoon as part of his "Project Sixty" initiative, hoping to add much-needed striking power to U.S. surface warships such as theTiconderoga-classcruiser.
The first Harpoon was delivered in 1977; in 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th.[5]
The Harpoon has also been adapted for carriage on several aircraft, including theP-3 Orion, theP-8 Poseidon, theAV-8B Harrier II, theF/A-18 Hornet and theU.S. Air ForceB-52H bombers.[6] The Harpoon was purchased by many nations, including India, Japan,Singapore, South Korea,Taiwan, theUnited Arab Emirates and mostNATO countries.[7][8][9][10][11][12]
TheRoyal Australian Air Force can fire AGM-84-series missiles from itsF/A-18F Super Hornets.AP-3C Orion, andP-8 Poseidon aircraft, and previously from the now retiredF-111C/Gs andF/A-18A/B Hornets. TheRoyal Australian Navy deploys the Harpoon on major surface combatants and in theCollins-class submarines. TheSpanish Air Force and theChilean Navy are also AGM-84D customers, and they deploy the missiles on surface ships, and F/A-18s,F-16 Falcons, andP-3 Orion aircraft. The BritishRoyal Navy formerly deployed the Harpoon on several types of surface ships.[citation needed]
TheRoyal Canadian Navy carries Harpoon Block II missiles on itsHalifax-classfrigates.[13]
TheRepublic of Singapore Air Force also operates five modifiedFokker 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) which are fitted with the sensors needed to fire the Harpoon missile. ThePakistani Navy carries the Harpoon missile on its frigates and P-3C Orions. TheTurkish Navy carries Harpoons on surface warships andType 209 submarines. TheTurkish Air Force will be armed with the SLAM-ER.[citation needed]Turkey is planning to replace the Harpoons with Turkish madeAtmaca missiles.
At least 339 Harpoon missiles were sold to theRepublic of China Air Force (Taiwan) for its F-16 A/B Block 20 fleet and theRepublic of China Navy, which operates four guided-missile destroyers and eight guided-missile frigates with the capability of carrying the Harpoon, including the eight former U.S. NavyKnox-class frigates and the four former USNKidd-class destroyers which have been sold to Taiwan. The twoZwaardvis/Hai Lung submarines and 12 P-3C Orion aircraft can also use the missile. The eightCheng Kung-class frigates, despite being based on the USOliver Hazard Perry class, have Harpoon capabilities deleted from their combat systems, and funding to restore it has so far been denied, theRepublic of China Navy (Taiwan) decided to switch to theHsiung Feng II andHsiung Feng III.[citation needed]
The Block 1 missiles were designated A/R/UGM-84A in US service and UGM-84B in the UK. Block 1B standard missiles were designated A/R/UGM-84C, Block 1C missiles were designated A/R/UGM-84D. Block 1 used a terminal attack mode that included a pop-up to approximately 5,900 feet (1,800 m) before diving on the target; Block 1B omitted the terminal pop-up; and Block 1C provided a selectable terminal attack mode.[14]
This version featured a larger fuel tank and re-attack[further explanation needed] capability, but was not produced in large numbers because its intended mission (warfare with theWarsaw Pact countries of Eastern Europe) was considered to be unlikely following theDissolution of the Soviet Union. The range is 173 miles (278 km)[citation needed]. Block 1D missiles were designated A/RGM-84F.[15][16]
This version, under development[when?], gives the SLAM a re-attack capability, as well as an image comparison capability similar to theTomahawk cruise missile; that is, the weapon can compare the target scene in front of it with animage stored in its onboardcomputer during terminal phase target acquisition and lock on (this is known asDSMAC).[citation needed] Block 1G missiles A/R/UGM-84G; the originalSLAM-ER missiles were designated AGM-84H (2000-2002) and later ones the AGM-84K (2002 onwards).[citation needed]
Block 1J was a proposal for a further upgrade, A/R/UGM-84J Harpoon (or Harpoon 2000), for use against both ship and land targets.[citation needed]
_Harpoon_handling_team_carefully_lower_an_all-up-round_Harpoon_missile_into_its_launch_rack_on_the_aft_VLS_deck_during_ammunition_onload_operations.jpg)
In production at Boeing facilities inSaint Charles, Missouri, is the Harpoon Block II, intended to offer an expanded engagement envelope, enhanced resistance toelectronic countermeasures and improved targeting. Specifically, the Harpoon was initially designed as an open-ocean weapon. The Block II missiles continue progress begun with Block IE, and the Block II missile provides the Harpoon with alittoral-water anti-ship capability.[17]
The key improvements of the Harpoon Block II are obtained by incorporating theinertial measurement unit from theJoint Direct Attack Munition program, and the software, computer,Global Positioning System (GPS)/inertial navigation system and GPS antenna/receiver from the SLAM Expanded Response (SLAM-ER), an upgrade to the SLAM.[18]
The US Navy awarded a $120 million contract to Boeing in July 2011 for the production of about 60 Block II Harpoon missiles, including missiles for 6 foreign militaries.[19]
India acquired 24 Harpoon Block II missiles to arm its maritime strikeJaguar fighters in a deal worth $170 million through the Foreign Military Sales system.[20]
In December 2010, theDefense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress of a possible sale of 21 additional AGM-84L Harpoon Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $200 million for theIndian Navy'sP-8I Neptune fleet.[21][22]
The Indian Navy is also planning to upgrade the fleet of four submarines –Shishumar class – with tube-launched Harpoon missiles.[23] On 1 July 2014 dsca approved the sale of 12 UGM-84L Harpoon Block II Encapsulated Missiles, 10 UTM-84L Harpoon Encapsulated Training missiles, 2 Encapsulated Harpoon certification training vehicles, containers, spare and repair parts for Sishumar-class submarines.[24] On 24 September 2016, the US department of Defence contracted Boeing a deal worth $81,271,024 for the missiles. The deal would be executed by 2018.[25][26]
In April 2020, DSCA approved the sale of 10 AGM-84L Harpoon missiles along with containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment for the P-8I fleet to the Indian Navy at a value of $93 million. The sale ofMark 54 lightweight torpedo was approved simultaneously.[27][28]
It was reported in April 2023 that the Indian Navy would be purchasing equipment for Harpoon missiles worth $80 million. It includes the sale of the Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) and related equipment.[29][30]
Harpoon Block II missiles are designated A/R/UGM-84L.[6]
In early 2018, the U.S. State Department approved the sale of Harpoon Block II to theMexican Navy for use on their futureSigma-class design frigates, the first of which is being built byDamen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.[31][32]
On 18 November 2015, the U.S. Navy tested the AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ missile against a moving ship target. The Block II+ incorporates an improved GPS guidance kit and a net-enableddata-link that allows the missile to receive in-flight targeting updates. Introduction of the Block II+ was achieved in 2017 on the F/A-18E/F followed by the P-8A in 2019.[33]
Harpoon Block III was intended to be an upgrade package to the existing USN Block 1C missiles and Command Launch Systems (CLS) for guided missile cruisers,guided missile destroyers, and theF/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft. After experiencing an increase in the scope of required government ship integration, test and evaluation, and a delay in development of a data-link, the Harpoon Block III program was canceled by the U.S. Navy in April 2009.[citation needed]
In April 2015, Boeing unveiled a modified version of the RGM-84 it called the Harpoon Next Generation. It increases the ship-launched Harpoon missile's range from the Block II's 70 nmi (81 mi; 130 km) to 167.5 nmi (192.8 mi; 310.2 km), along with a new lighter 300 lb (140 kg) warhead and a more fuel-efficient engine with electronic fuel controls. Boeing offered the missile as the U.S. Navy'sLittoral Combat Ship frigate upgrade over-the-horizon anti-ship missile as a cost-effective missile upgrade option; complete Next Gen Harpoons would cost approximately as much as a Block II at $1.2 million each, with upgrades for an existing missile costing half that.[2][34][35] The version is also called the Harpoon Block II+ ER.[36] Boeing claims the Block II+ ER is superior to theNaval Strike Missile through its improved turbojet giving it greater range and active radar-homing seeker for all-weather operation, as well as a lighter but "more lethal" warhead.[37] Test shots in 2017 had been confirmed.[38] In May 2017, Boeing revealed it was no longer offering the upgraded Harpoon for the frigate OTH missile requirement, but would continue development of it.[39]
In 1981 and 1982, there were two accidental launches of Harpoon missiles:one by the United States Navy which caused no damage andthe other by the Danish Navy, which destroyed and damaged buildings in the recreational housing areaLumsås. The Danish missile was later known as thehovsa-missile (hovsa being theDanish term foroops).[40]
In November 1980, duringOperation Morvarid, Iranian missile boats attacked and sank two IraqiOsa-class missile boats; one of the weapons used was the Harpoon missile.[41][42]
In 1986, theUnited States Navy sank at least two Libyanpatrol boats in theGulf of Sidra. Two Harpoon missiles were launched from the cruiserUSS Yorktown with no confirmed results and several others fromA-6 Intruder aircraft that were said to have hit their targets.[43][44] Initial reports claimed that USSYorktown scored hits on a patrol boat, but action reports indicated that the target may have been a false one and that no ships were hit by those missiles.[45]
In 1988, Harpoon missiles were used by the U.S. to sink the Iranian frigateSahand duringOperation Praying Mantis. Another was fired at the IranianKaman-class missile boatJoshan, but failed to strike because thefast attack craft had already been mostly sunk byRIM-66 Standard missiles. An Iranian-owned Harpoon missile was also fired at theguided missile cruiserUSS Wainwright. The missile was successfully lured away bychaff.[46]
In December 1988, a Harpoon launched by anF/A-18 Hornet fighter from theaircraft carrierUSS Constellation[47] killed one sailor when it struck the merchant shipJagvivek, a 250 ft (76 m) long Indian-owned ship, during an exercise at thePacific Missile Range nearKauai,Hawaii. ANotice to Mariners had been issued warning of the danger, butJagvivek left port before receiving the communication and subsequently strayed into the test range area, and the Harpoon missile, loaded just with an inert dummy warhead, locked onto it instead of its intended target.
The UGM-84A undersea-launched Harpoon version was retired from U.S. Navy service in 1997, leaving the U.S. submarine force without an anti-ship missile, a capability that is not planned to be reintroduced until theBlock IV Tomahawk is modified with a moving target maritime attack feature in 2021.[48] During RIMPAC 2018 a UGM-84 Harpoon was fired by USSOlympia at the ex-USSRacine.[49][50] The U.S. Navy plans to refurbish and recertify UGM-84 Harpoon missiles to reintroduce the capability toLos Angeles-class submarines.[51] A $10 million contract was awarded to Boeing in January 2021 to deliver the missiles by the end of the year.[52]
In June 2009, it was reported by an American newspaper, citing unnamed officials from the Obama administration and theU.S. Congress, that the American government had accused Pakistan of illegally modifying some older Harpoon missiles to strike land targets. Pakistani officials denied this and they claimed that the US was referring to a new Pakistani-designed missile. Some international experts were also reported to be skeptical of the accusations. Robert Hewson, editor ofJane's Air Launched Weapons, pointed out that the Harpoon is not suitable for the land-attack role due to deficiency in range. He also stated that Pakistan was already armed with more sophisticated missiles of Pakistani or Chinese design and, therefore, "beyond the need to reverse-engineer old US kit." Hewson offered that the missile tested by Pakistan was part of an undertaking to develop conventionally armed missiles, capable of being air- or surface-launched, to counter its rival India's missile arsenal.[53][54][55] It was later stated that Pakistan and the US administration had reached some sort of agreement allowing US officials to inspect Pakistan's inventory of Harpoon missiles,[56] and the issue had been resolved.[57]
_lower_an_encapsulated_harpoon_loading_shape_into_the_boat_during_harpoon_shipping%2c_loading_and_handling_certification_training._(50327126361).jpg)
The Harpoon missile has also emerged as a preferred choice for several foreign countries under theForeign Military Sales (FMS) route. In 2020 its manufacturerBoeing won two major contracts for supplying Harpoon missiles to Saudi Arabia and six other partner nations under a $3.1 billion deal.[58][59]
India will also receive Harpoon missiles under FMS in a $155 million deal.[60]
In late May 2022, Denmark sent Harpoon launchers and missiles to Ukraine to helptheir war effort, and shortly after, the Netherlands sent additional missiles.[61][27][62] In mid-June 2022, the US announced that they would supply Ukraine with Harpoon launchers and missiles,[62][63] and the UK Defence Secretary said that they also were looking into supplying Ukraine with the missiles.[27] On 17 June, Ukraine claimed to have sunk the tugboatSpasatel Vasily Bekh with two Harpoon missiles. In a tweet they said "Spasatel Vasily Bekh, a tug of the RussianBlack Sea Fleet, successfully demilitarized by the @UA_NAVY. The ship was transporting personnel, weapons and ammunition to the occupied Snake Island."[64] Ukraine's Naval Command also claimed the Russian tugboat had aTor missile system on board.
_fires_a_Harpoon_anti-ship_missile_during_a_Rim_of_the_Pacific_(RIMPAC)_sinking_exercise.jpg)
Indonesian Navy (Block 1D) (retired)[66]
Qatar Emiri Air Force - Harpoon Block 2 on order for use with F-15QA[69]
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Royal Navy (retired)
Royal Air Force
