Munitions

AGM-176 Griffin missile

Also known as
  • AGM-176 Griffin
  • BGM-176 Griffin
  • Griffin missile
  • Raytheon Griffin
  • AGM-176A
  • AGM-176B
  • BGM-176B
  • Griffin A
  • Griffin B
  • Griffin C
  • Griffin Block III
  • SeaGriffin
  • MK 60 Griffin Missile System
  • Mark 60 Griffin Missile System
  • MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System

The AGM-176 Griffin is a lightweight U.S. precision-guided missile family developed by Raytheon for low-collateral attack against light surface and small-boat targets. The family spans aft-eject and forward-firing configurations for C-130 gunships, Harvest HAWK KC-130Js, remotely piloted aircraft, and the Navy's MK 60 ship self-defense system.

AGM-176 Griffin missile, Lightweight air- and surface-launched precision-guided missile, Munitions
Image source: Wikimedia Commons AGM-176 Griffin launch

Role in Conflicts

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
Raytheon
Type
Lightweight air- and surface-launched precision-guided missile
Service note
2000s-present
Produced
2008-present

Specifications

Guidance
GPS-aided inertial guidance with semi-active laser seeker; Griffin C/SeaGriffin development tests added dual-mode IIR/SAL seeker and data-link features
Warhead
13 lb multi-effect or blast-fragmentation class warhead with point-detonate, delay, and height-of-burst fuzing options
Launch weight
About 33 lb for the Griffin air vehicle; about 45 lb with launch tube in some references
Length
43 in
Diameter
5.5 in
Propulsion
Solid-propellant rocket motor on powered variants
Range
About 12 miles for commonly cited air-launched Griffin B references; about 3 nautical miles effective range in the Navy MK 60 surface-launch system
Launch modes
Aft-eject AGM-176A for C-130-family aircraft; forward-firing BGM/AGM-176B for aircraft, ground launch, and maritime platforms; Griffin C/SeaGriffin tested vertical-launch and thrust-vector-control features
Variants

The Griffin family mixes U.S. designations with Raytheon configuration names: AGM-176A identifies the aft-eject C-130-family weapon, Griffin B/BGM-176B covers forward-firing powered applications including the Navy MK 60 all-up round, and Griffin C/SeaGriffin was a later Raytheon maritime-development branch.

VariantConfigurationDesignation notes
AGM-176A Griffin AAft-eject air-launched configuration

Raytheon identifies AGM-176A as an aft-eject Griffin for C-130-class aircraft; Designation-Systems describes it as the unpowered version dropped from rear cargo-door or door-mounted launchers on AC-130W and AC-130J aircraft.

Sources: Raytheon Griffin Block III Press Release, Designation-Systems AGM/BGM-176 Griffin, Air & Space Forces AGM-176 Griffin

BGM-176B / AGM-176B Griffin BForward-firing powered missile

Raytheon describes BGM-176B as the forward-firing Griffin for rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, ground-launch applications, and maritime platforms; Air & Space Forces lists the AGM-176B as optimized for light aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft.

Sources: Raytheon Griffin Block III Press Release, Air & Space Forces AGM-176 Griffin

Griffin Block IIIImproved seeker and warhead configuration

Raytheon announced Block III with improved semi-active laser seeker electronics, signal processing, and a new Multi-Effects Warhead System, with production underway in 2014.

Sources: Raytheon Griffin Block III Press Release

Griffin C / SeaGriffinExtended maritime-development configuration

Raytheon described SeaGriffin, later Griffin C, as an enhancement over Griffin B Block II for naval small-boat defense, adding an extended-range motor, dual-mode IIR/SAL seeker, in-flight target updates, vertical launch, thrust-vector control, and waypoint navigation.

Sources: Raytheon SeaGriffin Guided Flight Test, Raytheon Griffin C Retargeting Tests

BGM-176B in MK 60 Griffin Missile SystemShipboard surface-to-surface configuration

The Navy fact file identifies the BGM-176B Griffin B all-up round as the missile component of the MK 60 Griffin Missile System installed on Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships.

Sources: U.S. Navy MK 60 Griffin Fact File

Carrier Aircraft

Official Air Force, DOT&E, DVIDS, and Air & Space Forces sources identify Griffin carriage or firing from special-operations gunships, Marine Harvest HAWK KC-130Js, and remotely piloted aircraft.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipGunship aircraft

AFSOC lists AGM-176 Griffin among the AC-130J Ghostrider's standoff precision-guided munitions, DOT&E describes AC-130J Griffin missiles mounted internally and launched through the rear cargo door, and the Air Force AC-130W fact sheet lists Griffin in the Stinger II Precision Strike Package.

Sources: AFSOC AC-130J Ghostrider Fact Sheet, DOT&E AC-130J FY2017 Report, Air Force AC-130W Stinger II Fact Sheet

KC-130J Hercules, Marine Corps tanker-transport aircraft with former Harvest HAWK armed mission kit, Aircraft & UAVsKC-130J HerculesHarvest HAWK armed tanker-transport

DVIDS documents VMGR-252 KC-130J Harvest HAWK training that fired AGM-176 Griffin missiles and armed Griffin missiles inside a KC-130J Hercules.

Sources: DVIDS Raining Hellfire KC-130J Harvest HAWK

MQ-9 Reaper, Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle, Aircraft & UAVsMQ-9 ReaperRemotely piloted strike aircraft

Air & Space Forces lists the forward-firing AGM-176B as employable on remotely piloted aircraft and identifies MQ-9 integration in the technical data.

Sources: Air & Space Forces AGM-176 Griffin

Launch Configurations

Griffin's catalog role is broader than a single air-launched missile: sources describe aft-eject aircraft launch, forward-firing missile launch, a Navy ship self-defense installation built around the BGM-176B round, and a later Griffin C/SeaGriffin maritime-development branch.

Aft-eject aircraft launch

AGM-176A is described by Raytheon as an aft-eject missile for C-130-type aircraft and by Air & Space Forces as part of the AC-130J precision-strike package.

Forward-firing launch

BGM/AGM-176B covers powered forward-firing use from aircraft, ground launchers, and maritime platforms.

Shipboard MK 60

The Navy's MK 60 Griffin Missile System combines the BGM-176B all-up round, Mark 208 launcher module, battle-management system, and BRITE Star II sensor for Cyclone-class patrol coastal self-defense.

Griffin C / SeaGriffin

Raytheon described this development path with a dual-mode seeker, data link, extended-range motor, in-flight target updates, and vertical-launch features for maritime small-boat defense.

Timeline

AGM-176 Griffin missile Key Events

  1. Private-venture Griffin development period

    Designation-Systems describes Griffin as a Raytheon private-venture missile developed around the 2007-2008 period for AC/MC-130 gunships and UAVs.

    Sources: Designation-Systems AGM/BGM-176 Griffin

  2. Navy rapid deployment approval for MK 60

    The Navy says the assistant secretary for research, development, and acquisition approved Griffin integration on patrol coastal ships as a rapid deployment capability in June 2011.

    Sources: U.S. Navy MK 60 Griffin Fact File

  3. MK 60 achieves initial operational capability

    The Navy fact file lists October 2013 as initial operational capability for the MK 60 Griffin Missile System.

    Sources: U.S. Navy MK 60 Griffin Fact File

  4. Raytheon announces Griffin Block III demonstration

    Raytheon reported that Griffin Block III introduced seeker electronics, signal-processing, and multi-effects warhead improvements for static and moving target engagements.

    Sources: Raytheon Griffin Block III Press Release

  5. Raytheon announces Navy IOC for patrol coastal Griffin system

    Raytheon announced U.S. Navy initial operational capability for the MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System after maritime testing that began in March 2012.

    Sources: Raytheon Patrol Coastal Griffin IOC

  6. SeaGriffin dual-mode seeker test

    Raytheon reported a SeaGriffin guided flight test using semi-active laser guidance, imaging-infrared seeker imagery, and an onboard datalink for target verification.

    Sources: Raytheon SeaGriffin Guided Flight Test

  7. Griffin C in-flight retargeting tests

    Raytheon said Griffin C, formerly SeaGriffin, completed development-phase flight tests linking the dual-mode seeker, data link, and in-flight target-update capability.

    Sources: Raytheon Griffin C Retargeting Tests

  8. Air Force orders Griffin A and B Block II/III missiles

    Raytheon announced a U.S. Air Force contract for Griffin A and B Block II/III missiles, test and support equipment, and engineering support.

    Sources: Raytheon Air Force Griffin Contract

  9. AFSOC training article documents AC-130J live fire

    AFSOC reported AC-130J Ghostriders firing AGM-176 Griffin missiles during 2024 live-fire training in Alaska.

    Sources: 919th SOW trains on Gunship in Alaska

Media

AGM-176 Griffin missile Videos

AGM-176 Griffin missile Images

AGM-176 Griffin missile, Lightweight air- and surface-launched precision-guided missile, Munitions - view 1
Source: Wikimedia Commons Griffin KC-130J launcher
Related Weapon Systems
AGM-65 Maverick, Air-to-surface guided missile, MunitionsMunitionsAGM-65 MaverickAir-to-surface guided missileThe AGM-65 Maverick is a U.S. air-to-surface guided missile family for close air support, interdiction, and defense suppression from aircraft including the A-10, F-16, F-15E, AV-8, F/A-18, and P-3C. Air Force and Navy fact sheets describe electro-optical, imaging-infrared, and laser-guided seekers paired with either shaped-charge or heavyweight penetrating warheads. Official sources document large-scale Desert Storm employment, later Iraq and Afghanistan use, and AGM-65F loading on a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion during 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve.
KC-130J Hercules, Marine Corps tanker-transport aircraft with former Harvest HAWK armed mission kit, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsKC-130J HerculesMarine Corps tanker-transport aircraft with former Harvest HAWK armed mission kitThe KC-130J Hercules is the U.S. Marine Corps' Lockheed Martin-built C-130J tanker-transport variant for tactical refueling, assault support, airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and related battlefield support. Its former Harvest HAWK mission kit turned selected aircraft into armed overwatch platforms with sensors and AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176 Griffin missiles, a configuration documented in Afghanistan combat use and later retired as Marine Corps requirements shifted.
Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Ship self-defense missile, MunitionsMunitionsEvolved Sea Sparrow MissileShip self-defense missileThe Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile is a NATO-cooperative ship self-defense missile family built by Raytheon for surface combatants and carrier self-defense. U.S. Navy, RTX, and NATO Seasparrow sources describe it as a medium-range guided weapon for anti-ship cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and maneuvering surface threats; documented combat use includes USS Mason's 2016 Yemen self-defense engagement and Red Sea crisis firings against Houthi threats.
AC-130 gunship, Heavily armed fixed-wing gunship, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsAC-130 gunshipHeavily armed fixed-wing gunshipThe AC-130 gunship is a side-firing C-130 derivative built for persistent close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance, and special-operations overwatch. Modern AC-130U, AC-130W, and AC-130J aircraft pair trainable cannon armament with electro-optical/infrared sensors, fire-control systems, communications suites, and standoff precision munitions so crews can support ground forces from extended loiter or overwatch positions.
MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator, Special operations gunship helicopter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsMH-60L Direct Action PenetratorSpecial operations gunship helicopterThe MH-60L Direct Action Penetrator is a 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment gunship conversion of the UH-60L/MH-60 Black Hawk, trading troop-carrying capacity for modular cannons, rockets, guided missiles, sensors, and night-raid support. Venezuela conflict reporting documents DAP Black Hawks in U.S. special operations use, while also noting that current operational DAPs are MH-60M airframes derived from the same mission configuration.
GBU-69 Small Glide Munition, Guided air-to-surface glide bomb, MunitionsMunitionsGBU-69 Small Glide MunitionGuided air-to-surface glide bombThe GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition is a U.S. special-operations stand-off glide bomb developed by Dynetics, now part of Leidos, for Common Launch Tube carriage on AC-130 gunships and integration on unmanned aircraft. It combines GPS navigation, semi-active laser terminal guidance, fold-out wings, lattice tail controls, and a 36-lb blast-fragmentation warhead in a roughly 60-lb munition. Amnesty International identified GBU-69/B fragments from a November 2017 U.S. strike in Somalia, making Somalia the record's directly sourced conflict-use context.

Sources

AFSOC AC-130J Ghostrider Fact SheetPublisher: U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command | Note: Supports the Griffin missile being carried on the AC-130J Ghostrider as a standoff precision-guided munition. | Accessed: 2026-07-01919th SOW trains on Gunship in AlaskaPublisher: U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command | Note: Supports AC-130J Ghostrider use of AGM-176 Griffin missiles during 2024 live-fire training in Alaska. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Raytheon Multi-Spectral Targeting SystemPublisher: RTX | Note: Supports the Griffin missile being a Raytheon precision-guided weapon associated with laser designation and target tracking support systems. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Designation-Systems AGM/BGM-176 GriffinPublisher: Designation-Systems.net | Note: Supports Griffin designation variants, air-launch use, and basic technical background. | Accessed: 2026-07-01DVIDS Harvest Hawk First DeploymentPublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports 2001 War in Afghanistan direct use by documenting a KC-130J Harvest HAWK deployment to Afghanistan that supported coalition forces in Helmand and Nimroz and fired 11 Griffin GPS-guided missiles. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Code One KC-130J Harvest Hawk AfghanistanPublisher: Code One Magazine | Note: Supports 2001 War in Afghanistan direct use by describing Harvest HAWK combat use in Afghanistan and Griffin missile launches against targets there. | Accessed: 2026-07-01USCENTCOM DOW-UAP-D28 Mission ReportPublisher: U.S. Central Command | Note: Supports 2014 War Against the Islamic State direct conflict use under Operation Inherent Resolve: Supports 2014 Operation Inherent Resolve direct use by recording an AFSOC armed-overwatch mission that released one AGM-176 during weapons calibration and later received a call for fire to employ an AGM-176 at Ayn al Asad's ROZ RAINDROP. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Raytheon Griffin Block III Press ReleasePublisher: Raytheon Company | Note: Supports Griffin Block III seeker and warhead improvements, AGM-176A aft-eject and BGM-176B forward-firing configuration distinctions, and core dimensions, weight, warhead, and fuzing details. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Raytheon Patrol Coastal Griffin IOCPublisher: Raytheon Company | Note: Supports MK-60 Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System initial operational capability, component context, maritime testing history, and land/sea/air Griffin configuration background. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Raytheon SeaGriffin Guided Flight TestPublisher: Raytheon Company | Note: Supports SeaGriffin dual-mode IIR/SAL seeker, datalink, extended-range motor, vertical launch, vector-thrust control, waypoint navigation, and maritime small-boat-defense development context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Raytheon Griffin C Retargeting TestsPublisher: Raytheon Company | Note: Supports Griffin C as formerly SeaGriffin and documents in-flight target update, dual-mode seeker, data link, extended-range motor, vertical launch, thrust-vector control, and waypoint-navigation development claims. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Raytheon Air Force Griffin ContractPublisher: Raytheon Company | Note: Supports Air Force procurement of Griffin A and B Block II/III missiles and Raytheon guidance, attack-angle, and fuzing descriptions. | Accessed: 2026-07-01U.S. Navy MK 60 Griffin Fact FilePublisher: U.S. Navy | Note: Supports the MK 60 Griffin Missile System description, Cyclone-class patrol coastal installation, BGM-176B all-up round component, date deployed, effective range, and semi-active laser guidance. | Accessed: 2026-07-01DOT&E AC-130J FY2017 ReportPublisher: Director, Operational Test and Evaluation | Note: Supports AC-130J internal AGM-176 Griffin carriage and rear-cargo-door launch architecture. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Air Force AC-130W Stinger II Fact SheetPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports AC-130W Precision Strike Package armament that included AGM-176 Griffin and the AC-130W's overseas contingency operation context. | Accessed: 2026-07-01DVIDS Raining Hellfire KC-130J Harvest HAWKPublisher: DVIDS | Note: Supports KC-130J Harvest HAWK training with AGM-176 Griffin firing, arming Griffin missiles inside a KC-130J, and AN/AAQ-30 target-sight-system operation. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Air & Space Forces AGM-176 GriffinPublisher: Air & Space Forces Magazine | Note: Supports Griffin air-launched role, AC-130J and AC-130W integration, MQ-9 employability, active AGM-176A/AGM-176B variant distinctions, and technical data. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Wikimedia Commons AGM-176 Griffin launchPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports the public-domain image provenance for the Griffin launch photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-01Wikimedia Commons Griffin KC-130J launcherPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports the second gallery image provenance for the Griffin launcher photo. | Accessed: 2026-07-01