Harpoon Missiles

Harpoon Missile Latest News

The U.S. Air Force is exploring the use of the Harpoon anti-ship missile on its F-16s, signaling a potential shift in its approach to naval warfare.

About Harpoon Missile

• The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a subsonic anti-ship cruise missile developed by Boeing for the U.S. Navy.
• It was first introduced in 1977.
• It is currently in service with the armed forces of more than 30 countries, including India.

Harpoon Missile Features

• It is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system. 
• A single missile measures 4.5 m in length and weighs 526 kg.
• Propulsion: Turbojet, solid propellant.
• Range: 90-240 km
• It can be launched from ships, submarines, shore batteries, and aircraft. 
• It is capable of executing both land-strike and anti-ship missions.
• The missile can fly at speeds of up to Mach 0.85 (647 mph or 1,041 km/h) and carry a 221 kg blast warhead.
• It incorporates GPS-assisted inertial navigation, which enables the system to have both an anti-ship and a land attack capability.
• It uses mid-course guidance and an active radar seeker to track and hit surface targets. 
• Its active radar guidance, low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory, terminal mode sea-skim or pop-up maneuvers, and warhead design assure high survivability and effectiveness.

Harpoon Missile FAQs

Q1. Which country made Harpoon missile? 

Ans. United States

Q2. Does India have a Harpoon missile?

Ans. Yes, India does have a harpoon missiles.

Q3. What is a Harpoon missile used for?

Ans. It is capable of executing both land-strike and anti-ship missions. 

Source: INE