The Australian government announced this milestone and shared the update on social network X, previously known as Twitter. The aircraft was on a routine flight from Hickam Air Force Base, making a scheduled stopover at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, where it landed at the Marine Corps Air Station.

During this vital pit stop at Kaneohe Bay, ground support teams successfully loaded the two AGM-84J Harpoon missiles onto the aircraft. This operation was a crucial part of RIMPAC 24, testing the team’s ability to handle explosive ordnance efficiently and effectively under tight time constraints.

The goal is to load weapons efficiently and safely, according to the Australian Ministry of Defense. They have a detailed, step-by-step procedure designed with multiple layers of safety. “Mishandling a Harpoon can lead to severe destruction, so we’ve implemented numerous safety measures to protect everyone involved,” explained Australian Flight Lt. Matthew Walker, 11 Squadron’s weapons officer, during an interview.

The integration of the AGM-84J missile into the P-8 Poseidon is considered a milestone in improving the aircraft’s mission capability due to the enhanced strike capabilities it provides. The AGM-84J is a variant of the Harpoon missile, known for its precision and effectiveness in anti-ship warfare, which significantly extends the P-8’s reach and lethality against surface targets.

Another key reason is the versatility it adds to the P-8 Poseidon’s operational roles. Originally designed for anti-submarine warfare [ASW] and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] missions, the addition of the AGM-84J allows the aircraft to engage a wider range of threats, including surface vessels, thus broadening its tactical utility in maritime operations.

The integration also represents a technological advancement in the P-8’s weapon systems. The AGM-84J features advanced guidance systems and improved targeting accuracy, which enhances the overall effectiveness of the P-8 in combat scenarios. This technological synergy between the missile and the aircraft ensures more reliable and precise engagements.

Furthermore, the AGM-84J integration enhances the strategic deterrence capability of the P-8 Poseidon. By equipping the aircraft with a proven anti-ship missile, it serves as a formidable deterrent against potential adversaries, thereby contributing to maritime security and stability in contested regions.

This milestone also reflects the ongoing modernization efforts within the Royal Australian Navy to maintain technological superiority. By continuously upgrading platforms like the P-8 Poseidon with advanced weaponry, the RAN ensures that its assets remain capable of addressing evolving threats and maintaining operational readiness in diverse maritime environments.

The AGM-84J missile, also known as the Harpoon Block II, is a versatile anti-ship missile designed to engage a variety of maritime targets. It is capable of targeting surface ships, including frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers. Additionally, the missile can be used against smaller vessels such as patrol boats and fast attack craft. The AGM-84J is also effective against coastal targets, making it a valuable asset in littoral combat scenarios.

The principle of operation for the AGM-84J missile involves multiple stages of guidance and targeting. Initially, the missile is launched toward a predetermined area where the target is expected to be located. During this phase, the missile uses inertial navigation and GPS to reach the vicinity of the target. This ensures that the missile can travel long distances with high accuracy.

As the missile approaches the target area, it transitions to its terminal guidance phase. At this stage, the AGM-84J activates its active radar seeker to lock onto the target. The radar seeker scans the area, identifying and differentiating potential targets based on their radar signatures. Once the missile locks onto a specific target, it continuously tracks it, adjusting its flight path to ensure a direct hit.

The AGM-84J’s ability to lock onto a target using its active radar seeker is crucial for its effectiveness in maritime warfare. This capability allows the missile to engage moving targets with high precision, even in challenging conditions such as rough seas or electronic countermeasures. The combination of GPS guidance for long-range navigation and active radar for terminal targeting makes the AGM-84J a formidable weapon in the Royal Australian Navy’s arsenal.

Australia’s acquisition of the AGM-84J missiles is part of its broader strategy to enhance maritime defense capabilities. The exact timeline of when these missiles were acquired is not explicitly detailed in public records, but it is known that Australia has been integrating various Harpoon missile variants into its defense systems over the past few decades.

The cost associated with acquiring AGM-84J missiles can vary based on the quantity purchased, the terms of the defense contracts, and additional costs related to integration and maintenance. Generally, the unit cost of a Harpoon missile can range from $1.2 million to $1.5 million, but the total expenditure would depend on the specifics of the procurement deal.