Overview
- The U.S. Navy confirmed the third and final HIIU flight test occurred Jan. 16 at China Lake and the Point Mugu Sea Range with PMA‑201 and Boeing.
- The missile launched from an F‑15 at about 12,000 feet, descended to 5,000 feet at an initial waypoint, executed multiple altitude changes, then performed a steep terminal dive.
- The three‑event series validated guidance and aerodynamics, proved engagement of a moving maritime target, then confirmed effectiveness against a representative land target.
- NAVAIR reports preliminary objectives were met in the coastal target suppression mission, with initial HIIU deliveries planned later in 2026.
- The final event used Boeing’s instrumented F‑15SA 12‑1002, a variant that—along with South Korea’s F‑15K—carries Harpoon/SLAM‑ER, unlike the U.S. F‑15E fleet.