The upgrade kits are used to turn older Harpoon into the latest version dubbed “RGM-84Q-4” or Block II+. This version of Harpoon has a range of 133.9 nautical miles, an all-weather radar homing guidance system and a new, lighter but more lethal warhead.
Harpoon, Block II & Block II+
Designed in the late 1960ies/early 1970ies by McDonnell Douglas, the Harpoon is an all-weather anti-ship missile typically integrated with naval platforms which entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1977. The missile uses a radar guidance system to attack surface ships, and can also be launched from submarines, shore batteries, or aircraft.
In production from 2011, Harpoon Block II missiles feature autonomous, all-weather, over-the-horizon capability and can execute missions against sea and land targets, including coastal defense sites, surface-to-air missile sites, exposed aircraft, port or industrial facilities, and ships in port.
The Harpoon Block II+ provides a rapid-capability enhancement for the U.S. Navy that includes a new GPS guidance kit, reliability and survivability of the weapon, a new data link interface that enables in-flight updates, improved target selectivity, an abort option and enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures. It can be launched from multiple air and surface platforms.
More than 600 ships, 180 submarines, 12 different types of aircraft and land-based launch vehicles carry Harpoon missiles. Boeing has delivered more than 7,300 Harpoon and Harpoon Block II missiles to the U.S. Navy and more than 30 international military customers since the inaugural Harpoon contract was awarded by Naval Air Systems Command on June 21, 1971.
