Recently, a missile test by the Canadian navy was cut short after the missile lost communication mid-flight.
Commander Jeremy Samson of HMCS Regina reported that an issue arose with the Harpoon Block II missile during joint drills with U.S. forces at the Point Mugu sea range near San Diego.
The Harpoon Block II, which costs around $2 million, is a versatile missile from Boeing capable of striking land and sea targets, including coastal defenses and industrial facilities, as noted by Naval Technology.
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According to Canada’s Department of National Defense, less than a minute after launching toward a target 35 miles away, the missile’s flight was terminated, landing in the ocean and becoming unrecoverable.
Samson explained to CTV News that when a missile is fired, strict safety protocols are in place, and if communication is lost, the missile may be ordered to self-destruct.
Today, HMCS REGINA successfully conducted a Joint Littoral Targeting Exercise off California. Exercising the full targeting process from strategic to tactical, it resulted in REG firing a Harpoon Blk II at a surface target. It was a good day indeed – “Bulldogs away”. #BZ REGINA pic.twitter.com/rNolffTMfY
— Dave Mazur (@WestCoastCmdre) October 24, 2024
A Defense Department spokesperson confirmed that any loss of communication, even momentarily, would trigger the missile’s termination.
Later, the Canadian Armed Forces successfully launched the missile at a target near the shore, highlighting a vital capability for Canada’s Pacific Fleet and the Royal Canadian Navy.
They emphasized that executing such operations in a complex environment is crucial for joint military efforts.
Samson remarked, “As maritime threats evolve between ocean and near-shore areas, realistic training scenarios help prepare our crews for high-intensity naval operations.”
On X (formerly Twitter), Commodore Dave Mazur shared images from the launch and noted that the shot was representative of potential real-world scenarios in strategic areas like the Black Sea amidst ongoing conflicts.
This was not the first test of the Harpoon missile for Canada; the first occurred during a similar drill in California in 2016, launched from HMCS Vancouver.
The Harpoon missile is in service with over 600 warships and 180 submarines globally, with countries like Japan, Pakistan, and Australia also equipped with these advanced weapons.