Harpoon HR11: A Versatile Anti-Ship Missile

The Royal Australian Navy deploys the Harpoon HR11 on major surface combatants and in Collins-class submarines. Additionally, AP-3C Orion, P-8 Poseidon aircraft, and previously F-111C/Gs and F/A-18A/B Hornets have been equipped with this versatile anti-ship missile. The Royal Australian Air Force can also fire AGM-84-series missiles from its F/A-18F Super Hornets.

The Harpoon HR11 has gained popularity globally, being purchased by many nations including India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and most NATO countries. Its adaptability for carriage on various aircraft, such as the P-3 Orion, P-8 Poseidon, AV-8B Harrier II, F/A-18 Hornet, and U.S. surface warships like the Ticonderoga-class cruiser, makes it a valuable asset in modern naval warfare.

The development of the Harpoon HR11 began in 1965, with the United States Navy initiating studies for a missile capable of striking surfaced submarines within a range of 45 kilometers. The name Harpoon was assigned to the project due to its inspiration from the harpooning technique used by sailors. In 1970, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo Zumwalt accelerated the development of the Harpoon HR11 as part of his 'Project Sixty' initiative, aiming to add much-needed striking power to U.S. naval forces.

The sinking of the Israeli destroyer Eilat in 1967 by a Soviet-built Styx anti-ship missile shocked senior United States Navy officers, prompting them to recognize the threat posed by anti-ship missiles. The first Harpoon HR11 was delivered in 1977, and Boeing continued to deliver the missile until it reached the milestone of 7,000 units in 2004.

The Harpoon HR11 comes in various variants, including Coastal defense batteries (RGM-84), submarines (UGM-84), surface ships (RGM-84), fixed-wing aircraft (AGM-84), and cruise missile variants like AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) and AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER. Its regular variant uses active radar homing and flies just above the water to evade defenses, while its cruise missile versions are designed for long-range attacks.

Manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security), the Harpoon HR11 is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile that has become a staple in modern naval warfare. Its versatility, range, and effectiveness make it a valuable asset for any nation seeking to enhance its maritime capabilities.

Harpoon hr11