LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
Harpoon
Photo: Avriette · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
REC // INTEL FEED

Harpoon

Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · United States · 1977
ADD TO COMPARE

Harpoon

Harpoon
Harpoon Photo: Avriette · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Range
78
Lethality
70
Sea-Skimming / Stealth
65
Guidance
72
Counter-Measure Resistance
60
Speed
68
Warhead Effect
75
Reliability
80
Technology
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
Origin United States
ManufacturerBoeing Defense, Space & Security, McDonnell Douglas
CategoryShip-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles
EraCold War
In service1977
Operators33 countries
Quantity7,500
Data Quality87%
71
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles MASS Rating
14/32
Cold War
48/98
All-Time
Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles · 10 axes scored
Range
78
Lethality
70
Sea-Skimming / Stealth
65
Guidance
72
Counter-Measure Resistance
60
Speed
68
Warhead Effect
75
Reliability
80
Technology
70
Cost-Effectiveness
85
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the ship-launched anti-ship missiles category.
01 / Overview
Harpoon
Production
1977–
Quantity
7,500
Unit Price (current)
$1.7M↗ 24% inflation · 2020→2025
Original Price
$1.4M (2020)
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
SHIP-LAUNCHED ANTI-SHIP MISSILES · COLD WAR
14
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
82
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
$1.7M
Original: $1.4M (2020)
Inflation: +%24
71
ship-launched anti-ship missiles category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the ship-launched anti-ship missiles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General7MOD.7
  • Missile Typecruise missile
  • Service Entry Year1977
  • DesignerMcDonnell Douglas
  • Length4.57 m
  • Diameter342.9 mm
  • Launch Weight690 kg
  • In ServiceYes
▣Propulsion5MOD.5
  • Propulsion Typeturbojet
  • Motor TypeTeledyne CAE J402 turbojet/solid propellant booster
  • Boost StageYes
  • Two-StageNo
  • Fuel / Propellantjet fuel
◇Performance8MOD.8
  • Minimum Range43 km
  • Maximum Range280 km
  • Top Speed240 m/s
  • Top Speed (Mach)0.7 Mach
  • Cruise Altitude15 m
  • Flight Profilesea-skimming
  • Maximum G20
  • HypersonicNo
◆Warhead5MOD.5
▤Launch Platform6MOD.6
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Production7,500
  • Unit Cost1,406,812 USD
  • Production Start1,977 year
▲Warhead Detail3MOD.3
  • Detonation Mechanism / FuzeImpact fuze
  • Explosive Filler Weight221 kg
  • Explosive Filler Typehigh explosive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1977Production started
  2. 1980First deployment: Iran–Iraq War
49
years in service
7,500
units produced
33
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
Guidance system using onboard radar to actively emit and receive signals for target tracking and missile course correction.
Capability of launching an anti-tank guided missile from an airborne platform, such as a helicopter or aircraft.
The initial propulsion phase where a high-thrust motor accelerates the missile to operational velocity.
Fire-and-forget refers to a missile guidance system where the missile guides itself to its target after launch, requiring no further input from the operator.
Launched from a ground-based platform, such as a vehicle or tripod, rather than an aircraft or other airborne system.
Launched from naval platforms, such as ships or submarines.
Sea‑skimming is a low‑altitude flight profile in which a missile or projectile flies close to the sea surface to minimize radar detection and increase survivability.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Ship-Launched Anti-Ship Missiles entry →