The IAI Harpy is a loitering munition produced by Israel Aerospace Industries. The Harpy is designed to attack radar systems and is optimised for the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) role. It carries a high explosive warhead. The Harpy has been sold to several foreign nations, including South Korea, Turkey, India, and China.
Harpy | |
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IAI Harpy at Paris Air Show 2007 | |
Role | Loitering Munition Type of aircraft |
National origin | Israel |
Manufacturer | IAI |
First flight | 1989 |
Variants | IAI Harop |
In 2004, the Harpy became the focus of the effort by the United States to restrict arms transfers and the sales of advanced military technology to China. Sold to China in 1994 for around US$55 million, the loitering munitions were returned to Israel in 2004 under contract to be upgraded. The United States, fearing that the Harpy would pose a threat to Taiwanese and American forces in the case of a war with China,[1] demanded that Israel seize the loitering munitions and nullify the contract. According to Israel, the Harpy is an indigenously designed loitering munitions. It does not contain any US-produced sub-systems.[2] In 2005, the loitering munitions were returned to China without being upgraded. This incident chilled relations between the United States and Israel, with Israel being suspended from its status as Security Cooperative Participant in the Joint Strike Fighter program. However, on 6 November 2005, Israel stated that it has been re-admitted into the program.[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Dual-homing capabilities - utilizing anti-radiation and electro-optical seekers
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) aircraft and missiles | |
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Fighter aircraft | |
Other military aircraft | |
Business jets |
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UAVs | |
Loitering Munitions | |
Missiles | |
[1] Under license from Fouga. [2] Joint venture with RUAG. [3] Joint venture with Rafael. [4] Joint venture with DRDO. [5] Joint venture with Boeing. |