AGM-84 / RGM-84 Harpoon vs AM-39 Exocet

The AGM-84/RGM-84 Harpoon and AM-39 Exocet are subsonic anti-ship missiles developed to engage naval targets via sea-skimming flight profiles. Produced by the United States and France respectively, these systems function as primary anti-surface warfare armaments for Western-aligned militaries. Both missiles utilize inertial navigation for the cruise phase and active radar homing for terminal guidance.

Development and Design

The AM-39 Exocet, manufactured by MBDA, entered service in 1974. Development began in the late 1960s, resulting in the production of approximately 4,000 units. The AGM-84 Harpoon followed in 1977, with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) manufacturing 7,500 units. Physically, the Exocet measures 4,700 mm in length with a launch weight of 870 kg. The Harpoon is shorter at 4,580 mm and lighter at 667 kg. While the RGM-84 designates the ship-launched Harpoon variant, the Exocet family includes specific modifications for air (AM-39), surface, and submarine launch platforms. Early Exocet models utilized solid-propellant rockets, whereas modern variants and the Harpoon employ turbojet engines for propulsion.

Performance and Capabilities

Operational specifications indicate distinct performance envelopes for range and payload. The Harpoon offers a range of 120 km, exceeding the AM-39 Exocet's operational radius of 70 km. In terms of velocity, the Exocet is faster, reaching Mach 0.9 compared to the Harpoon's Mach 0.7 (864 km/h). The Harpoon carries a heavier payload, delivering a 227 kg high-explosive warhead versus the Exocet's 165 kg warhead. The Exocet is noted for its terminal altitude of approximately 2 meters, designed to impact hulls immediately above the waterline.

Guidance and Technology

Both missiles function as fire-and-forget weapons. The Exocet relies on inertial guidance during its cruise phase, maintaining electronic silence to reduce detection probability. Upon approaching the target, it activates an active radar seeker and can perform evasive maneuvers while employing electronic countermeasures. The Harpoon integrates GPS data with its inertial navigation system, improving course accuracy. Advanced Harpoon variants, such as the AGM-84H SLAM-ER, include expanded capabilities for engaging land-based targets.

Deployment and Combat Record

The Exocet saw extensive use during the 1982 Falklands War, where Argentine aircraft launched AM-39s against Royal Navy vessels. It was also deployed during the Iran-Iraq War against commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and was the weapon used in the 1987 strike on the USS Stark. The Harpoon has been exported to numerous allied nations and deployed in multiple theaters. Both systems have necessitated the development of ship-based Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) and electronic countermeasures to mitigate their effectiveness.

Conclusion

The AGM-84 Harpoon provides a longer engagement range and a heavier high-explosive warhead, suitable for standoff strikes against larger surface combatants. The AM-39 Exocet emphasizes higher subsonic speed and a lower terminal altitude to penetrate fleet defenses at shorter ranges. Both platforms remain in active service, receiving updates to guidance and propulsion systems to counter modern shipboard defense networks.