AGM-176 Griffin missile

The AGM-176 Griffin is a lightweight U.S. precision-guided missile family developed by Raytheon for low-collateral strike against light surface targets. It is fielded in air-launched form, including use by AC-130J Ghostrider gunships, and is closely associated with laser-guided delivery systems and small-boat or light-target attack profiles.

AGM-176 Griffin missile, Air-launched precision-guided missile, Munitions

Image source: Wikimedia Commons AGM-176 Griffin launch

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Raytheon
Type: Air-launched precision-guided missile
Service note: 2000s-present
Produced: 2008-present

missile precision fires air-launched

Specifications

Guidance: GPS-aided inertial guidance with semi-active laser seeker
Warhead: Approximately 13 lb class
Launch weight: About 30-45 lb depending on configuration
Range: Roughly 5 miles from surface launch and about 12.5 miles from altitude in commonly cited references

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In U.S. service from the late 2000s; air-launched Griffin variants are documented on AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft and other carrier platforms.
Used by: United States military

Carrier Aircraft

The AC-130J Ghostrider fact sheet and 2024 Alaska training article both identify the Griffin as part of the aircraft's standoff precision-guided loadout.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

Gunship aircraft

Official AFSOC material lists AGM-176 Griffin missiles among the AC-130J Ghostrider's standoff precision-guided munitions, and 2024 Alaska training shows the aircraft firing Griffin missiles live.

Sources: AFSOC AC-130J Ghostrider Fact Sheet, 919th SOW trains on Gunship in Alaska

AGM-176 Griffin missile Images

AGM-176 Griffin missile, Air-launched precision-guided missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Wikimedia Commons AGM-176 Griffin launch

AGM-176 Griffin missile, Air-launched precision-guided missile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: Wikimedia Commons Griffin KC-130J launcher

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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: 2026-06-23 919th 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: 2026-06-23 Raytheon 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: 2026-06-23 Designation-Systems AGM/BGM-176 GriffinPublisher: Designation-Systems.net | Note: Supports Griffin designation variants, air-launch use, and basic technical background. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Wikimedia Commons AGM-176 Griffin launchPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports the public-domain image provenance for the Griffin launch photo. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Wikimedia Commons Griffin KC-130J launcherPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports the second gallery image provenance for the Griffin launcher photo. | Accessed: 2026-06-23