Submarines: India Obtains Submarine Launched Harpoon

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July 25, 2014: India is buying twelve American UGM-84L Harpoon anti-ship missiles and ten training missiles. This version is launched from the torpedo tubes of submerged submarines. These are to be used on the four Type 209 subs India acquired between 1986 and 1992. The UGM-84L is launched from a standard 533mm torpedo tube and has a range of 130 kilometers. The Type 208 can carry 14 torpedoes or UGM-84Ls. Because of delays in replacing the oldest Indian subs the more recent ones, like the Type 209s, are being upgraded. The UGM-84Ls are part of that program. The Type 209s are German made and since Germany is a NATO ally, the Type 209s and the UGM-84L are compatible.

India has also bought the air launched version of Harpoon for its American made P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and British made Jaguar attack aircraft.