US Sells Harpoon Missiles To India, Inflames Pakistan

Harpoon anti-ship missiles have high deterrence for opposing nations. (photo: DSCA)

JAKARTA - The US has approved the sale of the Harpoon Joint Common Test Set (JCTS) missiles and related equipment to India for an estimated cost of 82 million US dollars (approximately IDR 1.177 trillion). It's a decision it says will help strengthen bilateral strategic ties and enhance the security of India's main defense partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) submitted the required certification notifying the US Congress of a possible sale of the Harpoon anti-ship missile.

The deal also includes one Intermediate Harpoon maintenance station; spare and repair parts, support, and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; Member training; Technical, engineering, and logistics support services from the US Government and contractors; and other related elements of program logistics and support.

The Harpoon was first deployed in 1977. It is an all-weather anti-ship missile system. It has a low-level sea-skimming cruising trajectory with active radar guidance.

The Harpoon missile is the world's most successful anti-ship missile and is used by the armed forces of more than 30 countries, according to the missile manufacturer Boeing.

The US has produced several variants of the missile to suit air-launched, ship and submarine-launched versions while continuously upgrading its capabilities.

Several countries including Australia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand already have missiles in their arsenal. Pakistan last year questioned the US government's move to sell the Harpoon to India with complaints that it would "further destabilize the region".

Several years ago reports in the US media had indicated US officials were unhappy with the illegal modifications made to the Harpoon anti-ship missile by Pakistan. US officials had raised the issue with the then Pakistani government under former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.

The Reagan administration delivered 165 Harpoon missiles to Pakistan in the 1980s as a defense weapon in the Cold War. The modifications reported by Pakistan are deemed to be in violation of the US Arms Control Export Act. But Pakistan denies making any changes to the anti-ship missiles.

These missiles can be launched from fixed-wing aircraft, ships including submarines. This subsonic cruise missile has been seen in various combat operations since its launch in the 80s.

In 1988, Harpoon missiles were used by the US to sink the Iranian frigate Sahand during Operation Praying Mantis. It has a semi-active radar guidance system with a payload of 224 kilos.

The missile can travel at a high subsonic speed of Mach 0.85 while hitting targets at a distance of 90-240 km.