Boeing, US Navy Mark Harpoon Missile System's 40th Anniversary

ST. CHARLES, Mo., July 21, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the U.S. Navy recognized the 40th anniversary of the Harpoon Missile System today at a ceremony near the company’s St. Charles facility.

“After four decades of cooperation with our Navy partners, Boeing’s dedicated and talented Harpoon team continues to find innovative ways to meet the needs of warfighters on today’s ever-changing battlefields,” said Debbie Rub, vice president and general manager for Boeing Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems (MUAS). “Throughout the life of this legacy program, Boeing has continually incorporated system upgrades to enhance the Harpoon’s reach and interoperability.”

"Today marks another significant milestone for the program. Our Navy-Boeing team has worked hard to consistently deliver a capable and reliable weapon to our fleet and to dozens of nations. The Harpoon is one of Naval Air System Command's largest international programs, proving its success over the past 40 years," said Rear Adm. William E. Shannon, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons.

Boeing has delivered more than 7,200 Harpoon and Harpoon Block II missiles for the U.S. Navy and more than 30 international military customers since the inaugural Harpoon contract was awarded by Naval Air Systems Command on June 21, 1971. Boeing received the Harpoon Block II contract on Nov. 16, 1998. More than 600 ships, 180 submarines, 12 different types of aircraft and land-based launch vehicles carry Harpoon missiles.

Nearly 300 Boeing team members develop, build, maintain and provide operational support for Harpoon at the St. Charles facility, which opened in July 1979.

Harpoon Block II missiles feature autonomous, all-weather, over-the-horizon capability and can execute missions against sea and land targets, including coastal defense sites, surface-to-air missile sites, exposed aircraft, port or industrial facilities, and ships in port.