passive-homing antiradiation missile

A passive-homing antiradiation missile, such as the HARM (High-speed Antiradiation Missile), is designed to detect and destroy radar-equipped air defense systems. It operates by homing in on signals emitted by enemy radar after launch, requiring little human assistance.1

These missiles are a type of tactical guided missile, a category that emerged after World War II with advancements in electronics and guidance systems. Passive guidance systems, unlike active or semi-active ones, do not emit their own energy or receive external commands. Instead, they lock onto existing electronic emissions from a target. The HARM missile can identify a specific target even when multiple ground-based emitters are present. It is propelled by rocket motors and has a range of over 30 miles.231