US Navy declares IOC for MK-60 Griffin missile system

The MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System has achieved initial operational capability (IOC) with the US Navy, marking a significant milestone in the programme to provide protection for vessels in littoral areas against threats such as swarming boat attacks.

The MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System includes the Raytheon Griffin missile, a laser targeting system, US Navy-designed launcher and battle management system.

Capt Mike Ladner, Major Program Manager Surface Ship Weapons, US Navy Integrated Warfare Systems 3.0 program office, said: ‘The Griffin missile and MK-60 system assure the accuracy and lethality our sailors need to combat growing regional threats. IOC signals the beginning of improved ship self-defence on the Patrol Coastal fleet and provides an immediate response to potential maritime threats, especially small craft on the move.’

Maritime testing for the system began in March 2012. Since then the US Navy has developed, integrated and tested a complete system using mature components combined with Raytheon's Griffin missile.

The Griffin missile is a multi-platform, multi-service weapon that can be integrated on land, sea and air assets. The Griffin AGM-176A is an aft-eject missile designed for employment from platforms such as the C-130 aircraft. The Griffin BGM-176B is a forward-firing missile that launches from rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft, ground-launch applications and maritime platforms. The Griffin missile is 43 inches long, weighs 33 pounds, has a 13-pound warhead, and is in production today.

Mike Jarrett, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘Griffin is a mature, lightweight precision weapon that delivers reliable operational effectiveness to the warfighter. The navy's declaration of IOC with the Griffin Missile System is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates Griffin's flexibility and shows the missile is ideally suited to protect against the small boat threat on a variety of platforms.’