Modern Military Missile Launches

Dynamic images of missile launches from naval vessels, showcasing modern military technology and operations in various oceanic environments.

Low angle view of a missile taking off from a warship, Standard Missile-3, USS Lake Erie (CG 70), US Navy

A BGM-109 Tomahawk land-attack missile (TLAM) takes to the air after being launched against an Iraqi target by the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Persian Gulf

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 12, 2012) The forward deployed Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) launches a Harpoon missile from the aft missile deck. Cowpens is participating in a live-fire exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2012. The live-fire event sank the ex-USS Coronado (AGF-11).

Low angle view of a missile taking off from a warship, Standard Missile-3, USS Lake Erie (CG 70), US Navy

PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 22, 2017) A harpoon missile launches from the missile deck of the littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) in the Philippine Sea. Coronado is on a rotational deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, patrolling the region's littorals and working hull-to-hull with partner navies to provide the U.S. 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.

An RIM-7H Sea Sparrow missile emerges from its launch tube aboard the Spruance class destroyer USS HEWITT (DD-966). The Missile is being test-fired at a drone flying over the Pacific missile Test Center Range. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An RIM-7H Sea Sparrow missile emerges from its launch tube aboard the Spruance class destroyer USS HEWITT (DD-966). The Missile is being test-fired at a drone flying over the Pacific missile Test Center Range. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is launched off the California coast. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

181205-N-UM706-0001 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 05, 2018) The guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), launches an Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) MK 46 exercise torpedo during a live fire exercise. Pinckney is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations.

DN-ST-90-005745. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 13, 2013) A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1A interceptor is launched from the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test in the Pacific Ocean. The SM-3 Block 1A successfully intercepted a target missile that had been launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii.

High angle view of a missile, Standard Missile-3, USS Lake Erie (CG-70), US Navy

Launch of Minuteman laser-guided missile 30. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041018-N-0841E-571. Base: USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

The battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) launches a BGM-109 Tomahawk missile against a target in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Persian Gulf

1979 - An RIM-2 Terrier surface-to-air missile is fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS FARRAGUT (DDG-37). The destroyer USS CARON (DD-970) and the fast combat support ship USS DETROIT (AOE-4) are underway ahead of the FARRAGUT.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 6, 2013) A Phalanx Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) fires during a pre-aim calibration exercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz and Carrier Strike Group 11 are deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to support regional security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

100623-N-0775Y-028 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) successfully launches its second Tomahawk missile during weapons testing. Sterett is underway off the coast of Southern California conducting Tomahawk missile testing in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 4, 2013) The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) launches a Standard Missile (SM) 2 during a missile exercise. Truxtun is participating in the George H.W. Bush group sail to improve strike group interoperability and prepare for an upcoming deployment.

020117-N-3692H-501. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 25, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) launches a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) as apart of a joint ballistic missile defense exercise. Americas Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

DN-ST-88-01791. Base: Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-88-01650. Base: White Sands Missile Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220414-N-TT639-1035 PACIFIC OCEAN (Apr. 14, 2022) - Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) fires a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) from the ships forward launcher during a live-fire exercise, April 14, 2022. Tripoli is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

Pacific Ocean, November 19, 2008 - The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force destroyer JDS Chokai (DDG-176) launches a Standard Missile 3 during a Missile Defense Agency joint missile defense intercept test. The SM-3 was launched to intercept a medium-range separating target that was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii.

An SH-2 Medium Range (MR) standard guided missile is test fired from the forward Mark 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) on board the guided missile destroyer USS BARRY (DDG-52) during acceptance trials. Base: USS Barry @@(Ddg 52) Country: Gulf Of Mexico

Four M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launch Reduced-Range Practice Rockets into an impact zone at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, July 19, 2022. The M270A1 MLRS, a ground to ground, long range field artillery, can launch up to 12 rockets, impacting its target anywhere from 8 to 300 kilometers away.

1980 - A left side view of an AIM-7F Sparrow III air-to-air missile being launched from a Skyguard missile launcher..

A Harpoon missile is launched from the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) during tests on the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) range. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A High Mobility Artillery Rocket System engages its target during a qualification event during Western Strike 22 at Orchard Combat Training Center, Idaho, June 6, 2022. Western Strike 22 is an eXportable Combat Training Capabilities exercise led by the 65th Field Artillery Brigade, that provides National Guard Soldiers immersed training similar to a Combat Training Center and aims to increase participating unit's readiness and lethality.

DA-ST-87-00675. Base: USS Missouri (BB 63)

A Mark 16 Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems (CIWS) fires its 20mm projecticles during gunnery practice on the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63). Base: USS Missouri (BB 63)

Kennebec River June 14, 2005 - The Arleigh Burke Flight IIA-class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) shown conducting a missile exercise (MISSILEX). Some new features of the Flight IIA-class critical to littoral war fighting effectiveness include the incorporation of embarked helicopters (SH-60), an organic mine-hunting capability and the introduction of area theater ballistic missile defense capabilities to protect near coastal airfields and seaports essential to the flow of force

Pacific Ocean, July 18, 2013 - A RIM-7P Sea Sparrow missile is launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4) during a missile firing exercise.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 28, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) launched a Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) in the Virginia Capes operating area as part of an exercise to test the ship's ability to defend against a close-in aerial attack. The Sullivans deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of NATO Allies, European, and Africa partner nations, coalition partners, and U.S. national security interest in Europe and Africa.

Guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70), during a joint Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy ballistic missile flight test. Approximately three minutes later, the SM-3 intercepted a unitary (non-separating) ballistic missile threat target, launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii. Within moments of this launch, the USS Lake Erie also launched a Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) against a hostile air target in order to defend herself.

DN-SC-87-11191. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Point Mugu, California, July 29, 2004 - An Arrow anti-ballistic missile is launched as part of the on going United States/Israel Arrow System Improvement Program (ASIPP). The missile successfully intercepted a short-range target during tests at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California. The objective of the test was to demonstrate the Arrow system's improved performance against a target that represents a threat to Israel.

A view of 12 general purpose bombs loaded under the right wing of a B52G Stratofortress aircraft. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Avibras ASTROS-II SS-30 rocket is launched from an ASTROS SS-30 multiple rocket system mounted on the back of a Tectran 6x6 AV-LMU truck. The display is part of a demonstration of Saudi Arabian equipment taking place during Operation Desert Shield.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia(SAU)

The 22nd demonstration and shakedown operational launch of a Trident missile takes place from the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS HENRY L. STIMSON (SSBN-655). This is the 47th flight of the Trident. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

020613-N-0000X-002. Base: PAC Msl Range Facility, Kauai State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SM-3 misisle test in Hawaii

Launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Polaris missile is launched from the British nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine HMS REOWN (S-26), not visible, off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

1986 - The battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) launches a Harpoon anti-ship cruise missile during Fleet Exercise 2-86..

120825-N-ZE938-055CARIBBEAN SEA (August 25, 2012) The close-in weapons system fires during a live-fire exercise aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36). Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Operation Martillo and the U.S. 4th fleet mission, Southern Seas 2012.

Arabian Sea, August 8, 2012 - A close-in weapons system (CIWS) fires during an operational test aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69).

030415-M-4419R-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 5th Marines

000830-N-2480M-035. Subject Operation/Series: SORBET ROYAL 2000 Base: Aksas Naval Base Country: Turkey (TUR)

Belarus, Stalin's Line, Guided Missile battery

100606-N-0486G-001ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 6, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) fires its MK-45 5-inch/54-caliber lightweight gun during a live-fire weapons exercise. Mahan is at sea participating in the Southeast Anti-Submarine Warfare Integration Training Initiative (SEASWITI) exercise 10-3. The multinational exercise is designed to improve their anti-submarine warfare readiness and proficiency.

A Pershing II battlefield support missile is fired from an erector/launcher vehicle on McGregor Range. Base: White Sands Missile Test Range State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Low angle view of a fighter plane taking off from an aircraft carrier, F/A-18C Hornet, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), US Navy

LGM-30 Minuteman I missile launch from launch facility 06. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Phoenix Missile Mounted on F-15

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jesse Ballard, 48th Maintenance Group loading standardization crew chief, prepares to load a GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition onto an F-15E Strike Eagle at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Sept. 7, 2022. The 48th Fighter Wing participated in exercise Atlantic Thunder, a joint bilateral exercise aimed to neutralize surface maritime threats while demonstrating the flexibility of the joint force.

051031-N-8604L-026. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

AT SEA (July 27, 2022) Fire Controlman 3rd Class CJ Hixson, from Columbus, Ohio, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), acts as a safety observer during the ships close-in weapon system (CIWS) test fire. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

National Guard Soldiers conduct a live mortar shoot during the culminating event of the 11C Indirect Fire Infantryman Course May 18, 2018, at Fort Pickett, Virginia. A total of six Soldiers from states including Connecticut, Virginia, Indiana and Vermont completed the two-week course.

030112-F-6844O-003. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Force Space Command

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 7, 2017) The guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducts strike operations while in the Mediterranean Sea, April 7, 2017. Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.

A bow view of the destroyer USS CARON (DD-970) as an RIM-2 Terrier surface-to-air missile is fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS FARRAGUT (DDG-37) underway behind the CARON. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

WATERS TO THE WEST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (July 23, 2014) The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) fires its 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise. Antietam is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS Wisconsin

An air-to-air left side view of a Penguin missile diving towards its target after beng fired from an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft over the Pacific Missile Test Range. This is the first time the Norwegian-made Penguin air-to-surface missile has been launched by a US Air Force F-16. Note: Fourth view in a series of four. (SUBSTANDARD IMAGE). State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-SC-86-12641. Base: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A ground-to-air underside view of a Canadian Air Force F-101 Voodoo aircraft firing a missile during the air-to-air combat training exercise William Tell '82. Subject Operation/Series: WILLIAM TELL '82 Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-08025. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

030322-N-2578S-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: USS Porter (DDG 78)

220918-N-NO820-1001 EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 18, 2022) An SM-2 BLK IIIA is fired out of the forward vertical launch system of Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) during a Littoral Combat Ship Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (LCS SWATT) live-fire event, Sept. 18. LCS SWATT, led by Littoral Combat Ship squadron ONE under the guidance of Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center, is the surface forces premiere advanced tactical training exercise, increasing warfighting capability and tactical proficiency across all domains.

1982 - A view of the launch of a U.S. Army Pershing II missile, the first of its type launched, malfunctioned in flight during first stage burn and was destroyed..

A US Air Force (USAF) U-2R Dragon Lady aircraft assigned to the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, 363rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, prepares for a sunrise mission at a forward deployed location in Southwest Asia, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

A Bomarc target drone lifts off from its launch pad. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AT SEA (July 27, 2022) The forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) test fires its close-in weapon system (CIWS). America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 7, 2017) The guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) fires a tomahawk land attack missile April 7, 2017. USS Ross, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

A Tomahawk cruise missile is launched from the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) on the Pacific Missile Test Center (PMTC) range. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Military Rockets at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Kiev, Ukraine

DN-SC-95-01775. Base: USS Ashville @@(Ssn 758) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

A Mark 7 16-inch/50 caliber gun is fired aboard the battleship USS MISSOURI (BB-63) as night shelling of Iraqi targets takes place along the northern Kuwaiti coast during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

mobile missile launcher Russian mobile missile launcher on the position Copyright: xZoonar.com/Mrivsergx 5922628

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 10, 2019) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) fires its Mark 45 Mod 2 5-inch gun during exercise Formidable Shield 19. Formidable Shield is designed to improve allied interoperability in a live-fire, integrated air and missile defense environment using NATO command and control reporting structures.

BAKU - 26 June 2011 - Miliatary Parade in Baku, Azerbaijan on Army Day

PHILIPPINE SEA (Feb. 4, 2013) A 25mm machine gun is fired during a live-fire exercise aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (May 2, 2013) Naval Base Ventura County has evacuated some residents due to smoke concerns from a fast-growing wildfire along the Pacific Coast Highway northwest of Los Angeles.

U.S. Marines assigned to Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, fire an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), during Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI)course2-22, near Chocolate Mountain Aerial Gunnery Range, California, April 13, 2022. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One, providing standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine aviation training and readiness, and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics.

DN-ST-91-05675. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

An AGM-88 high speed anti-radiation missile on display in a hangar. A cluster bomb and an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile are in the background. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

An AGM-119B Penguin anti-ship missile heads toward its target after being fired from an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter during testing. Country: Unknown

Medium close-up shot of US Marine Artillery rounds used for the M198 155mm Howitzer from Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines from Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, waiting to be fired during the Artillery Relocation Shoot at Ojojihara, Japan. Subject Operation/Series: OJOJIHARA ARTILLERY RELOCATION SHOOT Base: Ojojihara Base Camp Country: Japan (JPN)

1988 - Trailing fire and smoke, an Army Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile ascends during a test launch at Launch Complex 33..

DN-SC-87-05742. Country: Unknown

Pantsir-S1, SA-22 Greyhound, medium range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery weapon system

Brimstone air-to-ground missile on a triple launcher.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, fire rockets from an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 14, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

The battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) fires a round from one of the Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber guns in turret No. 1 during Operation Desert Storm. The ship is firing at Iraqi targets in Kuwait. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 practice loading an ATM-84K SLAM-ER missile on an F/A-18D Hornet aircraft before a validation event at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, March 24, 2023. Marines with VMFA-115 conducted the first ever hot load of an AGM-84D Harpoon missile during a validation event. The validation further enables loading of different types of ordnance while the aircraft is running, giving greater capability and increased sortie generation of tactical aircraft in the Indo-Pacific.

Vapor forms around the wings of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft as it passes through the sound barrier. Country: Unknown

The 21st demonstration and shakedown operational launch of a Trident missile takes place from the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN-730). This is also the 46th flight of the Trident. Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Artwork: "The Absolute Weapons". Artist: Chuck Barnes, US Air Force Art Collection. Country: Unknown

Airborne soldiers at work with a launcher with Hawk Raketken. 5th group of arms guided weapons in Stolzau, West Germany.

of 2