Spain Authorizes 580 Million Euro Deal for Patriot and NSM Missiles

Spain's Council of Ministers, in its meeting on November 7, has given the green light to two missile purchase programs, amounting to a combined total of €580 million. This significant decision is a crucial component of Spain's broader initiative for the rearmament of its Armed Forces, a strategic move influenced by the insights gained from the conflict in Ukraine. The two programs in question involve the acquisition of Patriot missiles and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM), with a substantial budget allocation of €400 million for Patriots and €180 million for NSMs.

Patriot Missile Program:

The procurement of state-of-the-art Patriot missiles is deemed imperative for ensuring the continued effectiveness of the missile defense system. The goal is to replace outdated components, guaranteeing the security of Spain's national airspace and upholding commitments made within the NATO alliance. The estimated value of the Patriot missile framework agreement is €400 million. This advanced missile system, configured in the 3+ setup, is designed to intercept and neutralize ballistic missiles, showcasing enhanced precision and capabilities at distances exceeding 100 kilometers.

The Spanish Ministry of Defense, in its pursuit of modernization, authorized the acquisition of Patriot missiles from the United States in early October, specifying the 3+ configuration. The comprehensive program involves the upgrade of launchers in the Army to the 3+ configuration, along with the procurement of the latest Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3MSE) missiles. All launchers, both upgraded and new, are set to be integrated into the heavy-duty Iveco vehicles currently in service across the Armed Forces. These new missiles, although smaller in size, boast advanced onboard technology significantly enhancing their precision compared to earlier versions. Their primary mission is to intercept and bring down ballistic missiles at distances well beyond 100 kilometers.

Spain initially acquired its first Patriot battery from Germany in 2004, followed a decade later by the purchase of two additional second-hand batteries from Germany to fulfill commitments made during the NATO summit in 2014. The Army received these acquisitions, including the Central Control and Information (ICC) station, vehicle carriers, communication equipment, and logistical elements, in June 2015. One of the three batteries is permanently deployed in NATO's Active Fence mission in Turkey, safeguarding the city of Adana against potential ballistic missile threats from neighboring Syria.

NSM Missile Program:

The Spanish Navy has opted for the NSM, developed by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, to replace the aging Harpoon missile system. The NSM is slated to be equipped on F-100 frigates after their mid-life upgrade and on the upcoming F-110 class frigates and S80 submarines. The collaboration between the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia and Kongsberg aims to foster joint efforts in integrating NSMs into both current and future naval units.

The NSM, with a remarkable range exceeding 185 kilometers, is set to replace the Harpoon missiles currently in service with the Spanish Navy. The retirement of the Harpoon missiles is anticipated around 2030, aligning with current plans. Notably, the NSM has garnered recent interest from other European countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Poland. In late 2022, the Spanish Government granted the Ministry of Defense the authority to enter into a contract valued at €125 million for the acquisition of NSMs. However, specific details regarding the quantity of missiles and associated equipment included in the order have not been disclosed as of now.

The NSM's multifaceted capabilities make it a versatile addition to the Spanish Navy's arsenal. With a range that far exceeds its predecessor, the NSM not only serves as an anti-ship missile but also provides the capability for selective and precise attacks on land targets. Equipped with a military-grade GPS navigation system and a laser altimeter, the NSM employs Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN) to identify targets, using the same image recognition system employed against naval targets. Its cutting-edge technology, including a sophisticated infrared image recognition system and a high-explosive warhead encased in a titanium shell, ensures accurate target discrimination and minimizes collateral damage.

In conclusion, Spain's recent approval of these missile acquisition programs underscores its commitment to modernizing and fortifying its defense capabilities. This strategic move reflects a proactive response to evolving geopolitical challenges and aims to position Spain as a technologically advanced and capable force on the global stage.

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Moroccan Harpoon Block II missiles to be ‘non-coastal’ versions

The Boeing AGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles that the United States has approved for the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) are the “non-coastal target suppression” version, according to an arms sale notification published by the US Federal Register on 27 April.
This reduction in capability was not mentioned when the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 14 April that the US State Department had approved the sale of 10 AGM-84Ls for an estimated USD62 million for use by the RMAF’s F-16 multirole fighters.
The AGM-84L was designed to have a substantially improved ability to find target ships sailing close to shore or in congested waters.
janes

MOROCCO CLEARED TO BUY AGM-84L ANTI SHIP MISSILES FOR ITS F-16s

Morocco has been cleared to buy 10 AGM-84L 'HARPOON' anti-ship missiles in a Foreign Military Sale package worth $62 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in Transmittal No: 20-10 that Morocco intends to use those missiles from its F-16s.
dsca

Morocco dedicates some of its F-16 to antiship missions, said to have bought 6 AGM-84s missiles

The Moroccan army has received 6 US anti-ship missiles AGM / RGM / UGM-84 Harpoon in 2017, according to the United Nations Register of Conventional Weapons UNROCA.
The Royal Moroccan Navy does not have launching platforms for this kind of missiles on its ships and has no land to sea vectors at all. All indications are that these six missiles will be used with the RMAF F16C for anti-ship missions.
The only ship theoretically capable of shooting Harpoons is the Descubierta corvette but which has not been delivered to Morocco with this capability. In addition Corvette Colonel Errahmani serves today as school boat for the Royal Fleet. The ship has recently been disarmed and only keeps her guns.
The F16 is currently the only vector that can carry this type of missile, each aircraft has the ability to take two missiles under its wings on the hard points 3 and 7.
menadefense

First Live Firing of a Harpoon missile from an Indian Air Force Fighter

The Indian Air Force launched an anti-ship Harpoon missile from a fighter plane for the first time at a pre-designated target in the Arabian Sea last week. The missile, was launched on May 22 from a Jaguar maritime strike fighter that flew 200 nautical miles off the west coast to carry out the mission.
The fighter belonged to the IAF’s maritime strike squadron.
An official confirmed it was the “first live firing” of the Harpoon from a warplane in India after integration by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
The navy tested the Harpoon last year when a Boeing P-8I long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft launched the subsonic missile to take out a ‘target’ in the Bay of Bengal.
India has bought a package of 24 Harpoon Block II missiles for its navy and another 22 for the IAF.
India is also looking at arming its Shishumar class submarines with the all-weather Harpoon missiles.
hindustantimes

India to Purchase Harpoon Missiles

The Indian MoDs Defence Acquisition Council has cleared the purchase of another 22 Harpoon anti-ship missile.
This was in the pipeline as a foreign military sales deal with the department of defence of the USA.
The missiles will be integrated with the Sihsumar class submarines.
Indian navy had earlier procured 26 such missiles for itself to be fitted on P81 surveillance aircrafts for. Another 26 were brought by the Indian Air Force.
defenseworld

USA Clears Sale of 12 F-16 To Egypt

The White House lifted an executive hold on weapon sales to Egypt Tuesday, as part of a broader attempt to "modernize" the military relationship between the two countries.
President Obama informed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of the change in the administration's posture. The loosening of restrictions comes just days after Egypt began bombing operations against militants in Yemen.
Since a military coup in October 2013, the White House has frozen military sales to Egypt in hopes it would force democratic reforms in the nation.
In the short term, the US will clear the sale of 12 F-16 aircraft, 20 Harpoon missiles and up to 125 M1A1 Abrams tank kits, which had been held up.
defensenews

Royal Navy could remove Harpoon from warships

The UK could remove the Harpoon anti-ship missile from Royal Navy service as early as 2018.
Withdrawal of Harpoon would leave RN warships without a heavyweight surface-to-surface guided weapon (SSGW), opening up a gap in long-range anti-surface warfare capability.
Harpoon missile is fitted to the 13 Type 23 frigates. Four Type 45 destroyers are also to be equipped with Harpoon, using redundant equipment transferred from decommissioned Type 22 Batch 3 frigates. The US Naval Air Systems Command issued a notification in June this year of its intention to contract Boeing for a Harpoon Shipboard Command Launch System trans-installation on a Type 45 under a Foreign Military Sales case; according to the MoD, the first Type 45 ship fit will be completed later in 2014, with the remaining three to follow in 2015.
However, a recent contract notice for GWS60/Harpoon in-service support and post-design services has revealed that the system may only remain in service for a further four years. Published by the MoD's Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) on 8 July, the notice confirmed 2018 as the current planned Out of Service Date (OSD) for Harpoon. DE&S further noted that options are being investigated to extend the OSD out to 2020 or 2023, but cautioned that "this is not guaranteed".
The UK currently has no approved programme for a Harpoon replacement. Early studies are being pursued with France for a putative Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon, but such a weapon is not intended to enter service until circa 2030.
janes

Australia pushes for Harpoon integration on P-8As

Negotiations have commenced between Boeing and the US Department of Defense to secure integration of the AGM-84 Harpoon Block 1G anti-ship missile with the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, on behalf of the type’s Australian customer.
Canberra announced in February it had approved the acquisition of eight P-8As for the Royal Australian Air Force, plus four options.
Australia has maintained a co-operative programme with the US Navy on the development of the P-8A since 2007. .
flightglobal

Eurofighter Studying Missiles To Give Typhoon Maritime Attack Capability

Eurofighter is looking at giving the Typhoon a maritime attack capability and is investigating at least three missiles to meet potential requirements for export.
At least two of Typhoon’s current export targets are requesting a maritime attack capability. The Boeing Harpoon and MBDA’s Marte and Sea Brimstone missiles were being considered as possibilities for the European multi-role combat jet.
Qatar and Malaysia are known to have stipulated a maritime-strike capability for their next purchase of combat jets.
A decision on a new fighter purchase could be made soon by Qatar. Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, which is capable of carrying the Exocet, and the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet provide the main opposition.
Harpoon is already integrated on the Super Hornet.
Malaysia is caught up with budget issues and is more likely to lease jets than purchase them outright. Saab’s Gripen and the Super Hornet are both contenders along with the Typhoon.
The British are already looking at integrating the standard Dual Mode Brimstone missile on to Typhoon.
MBDA has done air and land launches of a maritime version of a weapon it’s see’s as providing a solution to the threat posed by swarms of fast attack craft in the littoral.
defensenews

Brazil to buy 16 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil for AGM-84L Harpoon Block II Missiles and associated equipment. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 6, 2014.
Brazil has requested a possible sale of 16 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II Missiles, 4 CATM-84L Harpoon Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support..
The Brazilian Air Force (BrAF) is in the process of modernizing and upgrading its Anti-Surface Warfare capability on its P-3 aircraft. The modernization will enhance the BrAF P-3’s capabilities for its Counter-Transnational Organized Crime efforts, maritime border security, and protection of off-shore assets.
The principal contractors will be Boeing and Delex Systems.
dsca

Lockheed Makes Progress On Next Generation Anti-Ship Missile

Lockheed Martin has demonstrated that its Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) can be launched from the Mk-41 vertical launch system with only software modifications.
Lockheed tested with the new weapon with the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS), MK 41 VLS and Mk-114 rocket booster with the new software during company-funded trials.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)—which is funding the overall LRASM effort—hopes to award Lockheed a sole-source contract for continuing development of the weapon next month according to a notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website on Dec. 20, 2013.
According to the notice, the contract will run for 24 months and will further the weapon’s sensor and avionics hardware development. DARPA will fund two further surface-launch LRASM tests in August and October 2014.
The LRASM, which is based on Lockheed’s stealthy AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range cruise missile, is being designed to give U.S. Navy surface warships the ability to “out-stick” enemy warships armed with advanced long-range anti-ship missiles.
Currently, only some Navy warships are armed with the Harpoon missile, which is greatly out-ranged by weapons used by potential adversaries such as the Russian-developed SS-N-22 Sunburn also known as the Raduga P-270 Moskit.
Lockheed officials expect that the LRASM—which can also be air-launched–will transition into a production program by 2018 with weapon being integrated onto the U.S. Air Force’s B-1 bomber and the Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet.
In recent months, Navy leaders have renewed calls for more modern anti-surface weapons.
Read more

Taiwan Receive Harpoon Missiles for Submarines

The United States has begun delivery of submarine-launched Harpoon missiles this year to Taiwan. The anti-ship cruise missiles will become operational on Taiwan's two Dutch-built combat-capable submarines.
The deal reportedly includes 32 UGM-84L sub-launched Harpoon Block II missiles along with two UTM-84L exercise missiles and two weapon control systems.
focustaiwan

Egypt Receives 1st US-Built Missile Craft

While most military sales to Egypt remain on hold, the US is going ahead with the transfer of four new fast missile craft.
The S. Ezzat, first of the Ambassador III class, was transferred Tuesday to the Egyptian Navy at a ceremony in Pensacola, Fla..
The second ship, F. Zekry, is nearly complete, with delivery planned for December.
Two more FMCs, the M. Fahmy and A. Gad, remain under construction, and are expected to be delivered in 2014.
The 62-meter FMCs have been built under a US Navy-managed program funded largely under the Foreign Military Sales program. Begun in 2001, the program moved forward in fits and starts until the first construction contracts were awarded in Sept. 2008.
The stealthy, 700-ton ships are powered by three MTU diesels and designed for a top speed of 41 knots. The FMCs are armed with eight Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles and an OTO Melara 76 mm gun, with self-defense provided by a Rolling Airframe Missile launcher and a Close-In Weapon System Block 1B. They are designed to operate at sea for up to eight days.
The ships are specifically designed to defend the Suez Canal region.
The Egyptian Navy operates several classes of fast missile ships, built in the Soviet Union, Germany and Britain, but the last was delivered in 1982.
Delivery of the ships was questionable after the Egyptian military overthrew the country’s elected government in July. A State Department review of all US military aid programs to Egypt was held, and some major US programs have been suspended, including the transfer of F-16 jet fighters, AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, and M1 Abrams main battle tanks.
Some programs, however, have been allowed to go ahead, particularly those helping Egypt to uphold peace treaty obligations with Israel, and assets to fight counterterrorism and security in Sinai.

Boeing Delivers 2nd P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

Boeing delivered the second P-8I aircraft to India.
Boeing is building eight P-8I aircraft for India and delivered the first in-country in May. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing has developed for the U.S. Navy.
While the aircraft delivered today will begin flight trials in the coming months, the first P-8I recently completed testing its weapons capabilities, including successfully firing a Boeing Harpoon missile at a target and dropping a torpedo.
boeing

US NAVY P-8A Poseidon fires Harpoon

After approximately six minutes of flight time, one of NAVAIR’s test aircraft successfully launched a Harpoon missile during a live fire event June 24 in California at the Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Test Range and scored a direct hit on a Low Cost Modular Target.
Completing only one practice dry run, a P-8A Poseidon from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 successfully fired a Harpoon AGM-84D Block IC missile from station 10 on the first hot run, which was later confirmed by onsite explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
navair

BAE checks Harpoon fit for anti-ship Typhoon

BAE Systems has conducted first windtunnel tests to assess the suitability of integrating Boeing's AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile with the Eurofighter Typhoon.
An image released by the UK company showing a model of the Typhoon reveals the combat aircraft carrying three of the air-launched weapons. In this configuration, one would be carried on the aircraft's centre-fuselage stores station - ordinarily reserved for an external fuel tank - and two more beneath its wing.

flightglobal

La Armada de Chile recibirá 20 misiles RGM-84L Harpoon Block II

El departamento de Defensa de los EE.UU. informó al Congreso que se propone autorizar la venta a Chile de una partida adicional de veinte misiles anti-buque RGM-84L HARPOON Block II, bajo el programa Foreign Military Sales (FMS). La marina chilena ya dispone del AGM-84.
chile-hoy