US Air Force breaks new ground with Harpoon missile integration on F-16s

The US Air Force has successfully integrated the Harpoon anti-ship missile onto its F-16s, marking a major leap in weapon integration capabilities. 

The US Air Force’s 53rd Test and Evaluation Group, Detachment 3, recently conducted the first noninvasive integration of the Harpoon Block II+ anti-ship missile onto American F-16s at Nellis Air Force Base, Caliber.Az reports, citing Naval News. 

While the use of the Harpoon missile on F-16s from foreign operators is common, this marks the first time the weapon has been integrated into US Air Force aircraft, showcasing the Air Force's ability to rapidly integrate new weapons outside traditional methods.

The integration test was designed to demonstrate how quickly the US Air Force can incorporate new weapons into their fleet. Unlike traditional integration methods, which typically span years and include extensive testing phases, this process was expedited, with the integration timeline significantly shortened. Traditional methods involve lengthy captive carry tests, ground tests for weapon releases, and telemetry tests. In contrast, the 53rd Test and Evaluation Group’s demonstration highlighted the ability to respond swiftly to contingencies by integrating weapons and capabilities faster.

The integration required no physical modifications to the F-16s themselves. Instead, software updates were used to enable communication between the aircraft and the missile, drastically reducing the time and cost typically involved in weapon integration processes.

F-16 operators already using the Harpoon missile include countries such as Ukraine, Türkiye, Taiwan, Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Singapore. The successful integration of the Harpoon on US F-16s opens the possibility for additional aircraft and weapon combinations, providing the Air Force with a versatile tool for conducting strike missions against surface targets. Currently, the US Air Force uses the AGM-158C LRASM, carried by strategic bombers, and has future plans to integrate the LRASM onto the F-15EX.

Looking ahead, the US Air Force could also explore integrating the AGM-84K SLAM-ER ATA, part of the Harpoon missile family, onto its F-15E fleet. The South Korean F-15K, a variant of the F-15E, has been operating the SLAM-ER ATA since the late 2000s, demonstrating the missile's proven effectiveness.

Boeing’s Harpoon production line remains active for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, with a $3.1 billion contract signed in 2020 to continue producing Harpoon and SLAM-ER missiles through 2028. If the US Air Force proceeds with further integration and contracts for these missiles, it will benefit from leveraging an established, mature production line that has supported global customers for years.

In addition, Boeing completed a 35,000-square-foot facility in 2021 to support increased production of the Harpoon and SLAM-ER programmes, ensuring continued support for future missile requirements.

This successful test marks a crucial milestone in enhancing the US Air Force’s operational capabilities, further strengthening its arsenal with the addition of a reliable and cost-effective anti-ship missile system.

By Naila Huseynova