The AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER (Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response) is an advanced stand off precision-guided, air-launched cruise missile produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security for the United States Armed Forces and their allies. Developed from the AGM-84E SLAM (Standoff Land Attack Missile, itself developed by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems from the McDonnell Douglas Harpoon anti-ship missile), the SLAM-ER is capable of attacking land and sea targets medium to long range (over 155 nautical miles/270 km maximum). The SLAM-ER relies on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and infrared imaging for its navigation and control, and it can strike both moving and stationary targets. The SLAM-ER can be remotely controlled while in flight, and it can be redirected to another target after launch if the original target has already been destroyed, or is no longer considered to be dangerous (command guidance). The SLAM-ER is a very accurate weapon; as of 2009 it had the best circular error probable (CEP) of any missile used by the U.S. Navy.
History
In 1999, Boeing and the U.S. Navy conducted a live fire of a SLAM-ER from an F/A-18 Hornet on the decommissioned USS Dale (CG-19) off the coast of Puerto Rico. The SLAM-ER obtained initial operating capability in June 2000. A total of three SLAM-ER missiles were fired by the U.S. Navy during the Iraq War, and the missile was also used during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. The General Electric Company provides an Automatic Target Recognition Unit (ATRU) for the SLAM-ER that processes prelaunch and postlaunch targeting data, allows high speed video comparison (DSMAC), and enables the SLAM-ER to be used in a true "fire and forget" manner. It also includes a "man-in-the-loop" mode, where the pilot or weapons system officer can designate the point of impact precisely, even if the target has no distinguishing infrared signature. It can be launched and controlled by a variety of aircraft including the F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-16 Block 50+ and P-3C Orion, as well as by some F-15E Strike Eagle. The S-3B Viking was also able to launch and control the SLAM-ER. The South Korean Air Force's version of the F-15E Strike Eagle, the F-15K Slam Eagle, has been capable of launching and controlling the SLAM-ER since 2006 in test exercises. In 2020, a proposal was put to Congress to allow the sale of the SLAM-ER to Taiwan. In March 2025, US Navy deployed AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER missiles to strike Houthi targets. Al Jazeera and BBC News reported that, based on missile debris found in the area shown by Iranian state TV, experts believe the 2026 Sirik wedding airstrike during the 2026 Iran war, killing four and injuring about 60 civilians, was carried out using an AGM-84H/K SLAM-ER missile.
Operators
Saudi Arabia South Korea Taiwan Turkey United Arab Emirates United States
References
== External links == "US Navy Fact File: SLAM-ER". The US Navy – Fact File United. 20 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Boeing (McDonnell-Douglas) AGM/RGM/UGM-84 Harpoon, Designation Systems "Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response SLAM ER". Archived from the original on 22 September 2012.
