Why America's Oldest Anti-Ship Missile Is Still the Most Feared

In a world of hypersonic threats and evolving missile technology, one weapon stands as a testament to the power of reliability and integration: the Harpoon. Despite being nearly 50 years old, this subsonic anti-ship missile continues to be one of the most feared weapons on the water.

In this video, we explore why the Harpoon missile, designed during the Cold War, remains a dominant force in modern naval warfare. From its consistent success in combat to its widespread use across U.S. Navy platforms and allied forces worldwide, we break down the missile’s enduring legacy and why adversaries still fear it.

Learn how the Harpoon’s precision, strategic deployment, and continuous upgrades make it not just a weapon but a force multiplier across multiple platforms, from submarines to aircraft and surface ships. We’ll dive into the technological innovations, including the Block II and Block II+ upgrades, that have kept the Harpoon at the forefront of anti-ship warfare.

With over 7,500 Harpoons in service, the missile's global reach, networked deployment, and unparalleled reliability continue to pose a nightmare for enemy fleets. Whether it's sinking Soviet destroyers during the Cold War or ensuring battlefield dominance in 2026, discover why the Harpoon missile remains a critical piece of the U.S. Navy’s arsenal.

Key Topics Covered:

Harpoon missile’s history and service record

Why speed isn’t everything in missile warfare

The strategic advantage of having Harpoon across every platform

The missile’s impact on naval battles and why it's still feared

Block II and Block II+ upgrades: Increased capability, better protection

The role of allies in multiplying the threat of Harpoon missiles

Future developments: How the Harpoon stays relevant with unmanned systems

Watch to understand why America’s oldest anti-ship missile is still the most effective — and why its enemies will continue to fear it for decades to come.