Harpoon Missile: The Unrevealed Secret of the 'Ocean Killer'

According to Military, the Harpoon anti-ship missile (AGM-84/RGM-84/UGM-84) is a US weapon developed in the 1970s, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing). Harpoon is specifically designed to destroy surface ships at over-the-horizon ranges, flying close to the sea surface and using an active radar seeker in the final phase. Entering service in 1977, Harpoon quickly became one of the most widely exported anti-ship missiles in the world .

*Since the 1970s, Harpoon has become a weapon that makes every fleet wary. Photo: Military*

Harpoon has three main variants: the AGM-84, launched from aircraft, which takes advantage of speed and altitude for maximum effectiveness; the RGM-84, launched from surface ships, which uses separate auxiliary thrusters to achieve cruising speed; and the UGM-84, launched from submarines, which is enclosed in a torpedo tube, providing covert attack capabilities from under the sea. In addition, the SLAM and SLAM-ER versions developed from the Harpoon platform help expand the mission to attack land targets with high accuracy.

In addition, Harpoon is a subsonic cruise missile (Mach 0.85-0.9 speed), about 3.8-4.6 meters long depending on the version, weighs about 691 kg with a diameter of 0.34 meters and a range of 120 km or more depending on the version. The missile is equipped with a Teledyne J402-CA-400 turbojet engine, combined with a solid propellant engine to accelerate initially in a few seconds for versions launched from ships or submarines. The inertial guidance mechanism combined with active radar helps Harpoon fly close to the sea at an altitude of only 5-10 meters, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect.

*Harpoon's true power lies in its ability to attack beyond visual range and its sophisticated self-guiding mechanism. Photo: Military*

Modern versions incorporate GPS and a two-way data link, allowing real-time flight path adjustment and re-attack if the initial target is destroyed. The SLAM-ER variant has a target error of less than 3 meters. Harpoon carries a 221 kg WDU-18/B warhead, enough to sink a destroyer or cause serious damage to a small aircraft carrier.

Over time, the US military has continuously upgraded the Harpoon, extending its range, improving its accuracy and increasing its combat capabilities. The appearance of the Harpoon has profoundly changed modern naval warfare, forcing other nations to develop advanced defense systems such as decoys, radar jamming and electronic countermeasures.

*Harpoon redefined naval warfare with its lightning strike capabilities. Photo: Military*

Strategically, Harpoon has helped shape the doctrine of sea control and area denial. Its ability to strike beyond visual range helps the US Navy maintain an advantage over its adversaries. By 2025, despite having to share the position with new-generation missiles, Harpoon will still be a symbol of American technological strength with its reliability, flexibility and power.

Currently, this type of missile is still equipped in the navies of about 30 countries worldwide.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/ten-lua-harpoon-bi-mat-chua-tung-he-lo-cua-sat-thu-dai-duong-429613.html