US’ rapid weapon integration milestone bolsters F-16 attack with Harpoon missile
The U.S. Air Force has demonstrated an expedited weapons integration process by equipping an F-16 Fighting Falcon with a Navy Harpoon missile.
The U.S. Air Force is exploring the use of the Harpoon anti-ship missile on its F-16s, signaling a potential shift in its approach to naval warfare.
The 53rd Test and Evaluation Group’s Detachment 3 demonstrated the crucial ability to rapidly integrate new weapons by conducting an operational taxi test with a U.S. Navy Harpoon missile on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Gateway system enables missile integration
Instead of taking years, this test proved that weapons integration can be accelerated without costly aircraft modifications, allowing leaders to rapidly deploy advanced weaponry, outpace adversaries, and enhance operational flexibility across multiple platforms.
The test team employed a gateway system to link the Harpoon missile with the F-16, enabling seamless communication without modifying either platform. Acting as a translator, the system allowed the jet to recognize the missile and transmit commands. This approach streamlined integration and reduced the time needed to equip the aircraft with new weapon capabilities.