US sells Taiwan advanced Harpoon missiles with over 150km range

The United States Navy has unveiled test results and images of the RGM-84L-4 Block II (U) land-based Harpoon anti-ship missiles supplied to Taiwan. This new variant, designated "U" for its upgraded performance, represents the latest product from the US Navy's initiative to modernize its existing Harpoon missile inventory.

Taiwan, a key international client for this missile system, will integrate these coastal defense weapons with its indigenous Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III missiles. This combination aims to create a flexible and highly effective "kill chain" for defense.

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This model's "U" represents a completely new performance-enhanced version, the latest product from the US Navy's program to update obsolete components of its active Harpoon missiles.

The RGM-84L-4 Block II (U) Harpoon missile marks a significant leap in performance. Its range extends beyond 150 kilometers, surpassing the older models' 124-130 kilometer range. This extended reach ensures that Taiwan's coastal firepower can cover the entire Taiwan Strait. The missile also incorporates advanced navigation and satellite guidance systems, enabling potent land-attack capabilities. It can accurately strike not only moving ships but also stationary vessels in ports, coastal radar installations, and military infrastructure under a coastal suppression mode.

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Taiwan, as the core customer in the international market for this missile, will form a high-low pairing with domestically produced Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III, extended-range Hsiung San missiles after all these shore-based defense weapons are delivered to the Littoral Combat Command, comprehensively building a kill chain that is more operationally flexible and highly effective.

Beyond its internal upgrades, the missile features a notable external redesign. The "U" variant includes foldable mid-body wings and a modified tail control surface and booster, making it resemble the submarine-launched Harpoon. This design optimization by Boeing reduces storage and transport volume while improving aerodynamic lift, leading to a better flight trajectory.

This compact and modular design offers significant tactical advantages for mobile deployment in Taiwan. Unlike older models with fixed wings requiring larger launch containers, the new missile fits into lower, more stable launch containers mounted on military trucks. This enhances the maneuverability and survivability of mobile launch vehicles operating on Taiwan's complex coastal roads and mountainous terrain, aligning with asymmetric warfare principles of "shoot and scoot."

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The standard range of older Harpoon missiles is around 124 to 130 kilometers, while the range of this brand-new U-type missile directly breaks through the 150-kilometer mark, allowing the engagement depth of the Navy's shore-based firepower to fully cover the entire Taiwan Strait.

While Taiwan is a core customer, the US has confirmed that this modernized production plan also supplies other international allies, including Saudi Arabia and partners in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. The missile system, equipped with new guidance sections, anti-jamming antennas, and radar seekers, along with accompanying search radar vehicles, will provide dispersed command and control capabilities. This will bolster Taiwan's resilience against complex coastal clutter and intense electronic warfare environments.

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This Boeing company's physical exterior design, which keeps the wing highly close to the fuselage and allows it to unfold after exiting the container, not only successfully reduces the volume during storage and transport but also optimizes local aerodynamic lift, in exchange for a better flight trajectory and glide curve.