Ukraine received AGM-88B HARM Block III missiles

The United States handed over to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine the AGM-88B HARM Block III anti-radiation missiles.

Ukrainian analysts from MilitaryAviation.in.UA released photos of the fragments of the AGM-88 missile in Ukraine.

Photos showcased the propulsion section of the missile without a warhead.

The warhead most likely exploded over the enemy position.

The remnants of the AGM-88 missile engine indicate the manufacturing date of 1991.

The HARM missiles, produced from 1987 to 1993, are designated as AGM-88B. Before that, they were produced under the designation AGM-88А.

Throughout its lifetime, this missile has been continuously improved and modernized.

Three modifications were developed: AGM-88A, B, and C. The first had two versions (block I and block II), the second had one (block III), and the third — two (block IV and block V).

Each modification differed in having more advanced software and hardware, increased stability, and an expanded range of operational frequencies of the radar homing head.

Permanent modernization allowed usage of a missile against the enemy’s promising types of air defense radars.

АGМ-88В received a new homing system, warhead and engine. An update of the АGМ-88В Block III version was introduced in 1990.

The АGМ-88В missile homing system is equipped with a memory device that provides prompt overwriting of information depending on the type of target affected.

Previously, a programmable memory was used that did not allow overwriting.

The missile is equipped with a 66 kg high-explosive warhead, the detonation of which is carried out using a non-contact laser fuse at a point of optimal (depending on the parameters of the final section of the flight path) splinter spread.

AGM-88B contains 25,000 steel submunitions, an explosive charge, a detonator and a fuze.

The AGM-88 is attached to the aircraft using a special launch LAU-118 (V) 1/А associated with the HARM software on the on-board computer. Platforms for these missiles are: F-15E, F-16CM, F/A-18, EA-18G, Tornado IDS/ECR, Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35A.

Recently, the United States has adapted high-speed anti-radiation missiles for fighters of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, MiG-29.