The US Navy has announced plans to enter into a direct contract with Boeing to update the support software for the Harpoon missile.
The initiative is part of the CMBRE program and aims to maintain the weapon’s operational capability in line with new combat requirements after the completion of the Harpoon Block II tests.
The modernization focuses on the system responsible for testing, configuring and reprogramming guided munition types, which are considered critical to the missiles’ function and pre-mission readiness. According to the Navy, Boeing was chosen because it is the only company with access to the technical data and capabilities necessary to carry out the update within the time frame.
Although the process is conducted as a direct award, the US government has stated that other companies can still submit proposals. However, the final decision on whether to open it to competition remains fully under the control of the military authorities.
The update comes after a successful test campaign of the Harpoon Block II Update, which included three separate evaluations. The tests validated the missile’s performance in various scenarios, including attacks against moving maritime and land targets, reinforcing the expansion of its role on the modern battlefield.
Source: Defence Blog | Photo: X @BoeingDefense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors
