Griffin missile tested for maritime protection capabilities
The Griffin missile has successfully engaged fast-moving small boats from various platforms in a series of tests to demonstrate the missile’s application to the maritime domain.
The tests, conducted by Raytheon and the US Navy at the navy’s Point Mugu sea test range, saw the MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System integrated on a Cyclone-class Patrol Coastal-class ship, where the missile was employed against remote-controlled boats simulating a threat to the ship.
Capt. Mike Ladner, major program manager of Surface Ship Weapons, US Navy Integrated Warfare Systems 3.0 program office, said: ‘The Griffin missile and the MK-60 System provide the accuracy and lethality required to meet the requirements of our operational testing.’
The testing marked the completion of a quick reaction assessment that will potentially lead to fielding of the Griffin missile on forward deployed Patrol Coastal ships later this year.
The MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System includes a laser targeting system as well as a navy-designed launcher and battle management system featuring the Griffin missile.
Harry Schulte, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems, said: ‘The Griffin missile is ideally suited for protecting navy ships against the increasing small boat threat. Griffin is fully developed, lightweight and precise. It is designed with confined lethality to minimise collateral effects and maximise operational effectiveness.’
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
