The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Philippines of AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Air Launched Block II Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $120 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South East Asia.
The proposed sale will enhance the Philippines’ interoperability with the U.S. and other allied nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world. It will improve the Philippines’ capability to meet current and future threats by providing flexible solutions to augment existing surface and air defense. The Philippine Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own maritime security needs. This capability will provide the Philippine Air Force the ability to employ a highly reliable and effective system to counter or deter maritime aggressions, coastal blockades, and amphibious assaults. The Philippines will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.
The Government of the Philippines has requested to buy twelve (12) AGM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II air launched missiles; and two (2) ATM-84L-1 Harpoon Block II Exercise missiles. Also included are containers; spare and repair parts; support and test equipment; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $120 million. The prime contractor will be The Boeing Company, St. Louis, MO.
The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Defense, Space & Security). The Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) is a land-attack variant. The regular Harpoon uses active radar homing and flies just above the water to evade defenses. the AGM-84 is a air launched missiles without the solid-fuel rocket booster. Boeing received orders to produce 467 AGM-84L Harpoon Block II full-rate production Lot 91 anti-ship missiles for various foreign military sales (FMS) customers until 2026.
