Harpoon missiles and MK-54 Torpedoes

WHY IN NEWS?

US Department of State approved a Foreign Military Sale of MK 54 torpedoes and AGM-84L Harpoon Block II air-launched missiles to India.

ABOUT HARPOON MISSILES

• Harpoon missile system are air-launched missiles which will be integrated into the P-8I aircraft to conduct anti-surface warfare missions in defense of critical sea lanes.
• Harpoon missile uses GPS-aided inertial navigation to hit the designated target.
• It can enhance interoperability with the United States and other allied forces.

ABOUT MK-54 LIGHTWEIGHT TORPEDO

• MK 54 lightweight torpedo are used in surface ships, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and are their primary anti-submarine warfare weapon.
• The primary use of this equipment is for offensive purposes when deployed by anti-submarine warfare aircraft and helicopters and for defensive purposes when deployed by ships.
• They can be used equally against fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and slow-moving, quiet, diesel-electric submarines.

Prelims Question

Q. Recently, India purchased Harpoon Block-II missiles from which of the following nations?

a) France

b) United States of America

c) Israel

d) Russia

Answer to the Prelims Question