They’re Back: US Subs To Carry Harpoon Ship-Killer Missiles
The effort falls in line with Pentagon efforts to deploy more punch at longer ranges, a clear recognition of the growing ability of China and Russia to keep American and forces at a stand-off distance
By Paul McLeary on February 10, 2021 at 11:41 AM
Navy photo
Sailors load a Harpoon anti-ship missile aboard the USS Olympia.
WASHINGTON: After a 25-year absence, the Navy will start packing Harpoon ship-killer missiles on its attack submarines as the fleet looks for new ways to counter the growing Chinese navy.
The effort falls in line with a range of programs the Pentagon is pursuing to develop ways to deploy more offensive punch at longer ranges, a clear recognition of the growing ability of China and Russia to keep American and allied forces at a distance in any potential confrontation.
The Harpoon work was capped off late last month when the Navy awarded Boeing a $10 million contract to arm Los Angeles-class attack subs with the new Harpoons as soon as this year. The contract follows the successful test firing of a Harpoon from the USS Olympia submarine during the RIMPAC 2018 exercise off the coast of Hawaii, marking the first time the missile had been fired from an American sub since 1997.
https://breakingdefense.com/2021/02/theyre-back-us-subs-to-carry-harpoon-ship-killer-missiles/
