The AGM-84 Harpoon is a US all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system. It has also been developed, as the AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM).

Harpoon uses active radar guidance and low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory to improve survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, or (without the booster) from aircraft. Originally developed for the US Navy to serve as its basic anti-ship missile for fleet-wide use, the AGM-84D has been adapted for use on Air Force B-52G bombers, which can carry from eight to 12 of the missiles. The AGM-84E has been adapted for use on the F-16 Fighting Falcon, in use by both the USA and the United Arab Emirates. The Royal Australian Air Force can fire AGM-84 series missiles from its F-111C/G, F/A-18 Hornet and AP-3C Orion aircraft.

The AGM-84D was first introduced in 1977, and in 1979 an air-launched version was deployed on the Navy's P-3 Orion aircraft.

The chief competitor of the Harpoon is the French Exocet.

General Characteristics

• Primary Function: Air, surface, or submarine launched anti-surface (anti-ship) cruise missile.
• Contractor: Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
• Power Plant: Teledyne Turbojet and solid propellant booster for surface and submarine launch.
• Thrust: 2.9 kN (660 lbf)
• Length:
  • air launched: 3.8 m (12 ft 7 in)
  • surface and submarine launched: 4.5 m (15 ft)
• Weight:
  • air launched: 519 kg (1,145 lb)
  • submarine or ship launched from box or canister launcher: 628 kg (1,385 lb)
• Diameter: 340 mm (13.5 in)
• Wing Span: 910 mm (3 ft) with booster fins and wings.
• Range: Over-the-horizon, in excess of 60 nautical miles (110 km)
• Speed: High Subsonic, around 850 km/h
• Guidance: Sea-skimming cruise monitored by radar altimeter, active radar terminal homing.
• Warhead: 224 kg (488 lb), penetration high-explosive blast
• Unit Cost: US$720,000
• Date Deployed: 1985

See also: List of missiles, Exocet