The U.S. Navy and Raytheon report that the Navy's MK-60 missile system for use in littoral waters has gained initial operating capability status.

The Patrol Coastal Griffin Missile System features a laser targeting system and a Navy-designed launcher and battle management system combined with Raytheon's combat-proven Griffin missile.

The missile, used in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, is 43 inches long, weighs 33 pounds, and has a 13-pound warhead. Its operational range is about 12.5 miles.

"The Griffin missile and MK-60 system assure the accuracy and lethality our sailors need to combat growing regional threats," said Capt. Mike Ladner, the major program manager of Surface Ship Weapons, U.S. Navy Integrated Warfare Systems 3.0 program office. "IOC (initial operating capability) signals the beginning of improved ship self-defense on the patrol coastal fleet and provides an immediate response to potential maritime threats, especially small craft on the move."

The Griffin missile is a multi-platform weapon that comes in two variants: the Griffin AGM-176A, which is an aft-eject missile designed for use on aircraft such as C-130 aircraft; and the BGM-176B, which is a forward-firing missile for launch from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The BGM-176B can also be launched from the ground, and now from ships following a year of maritime testing of the MK-60 system.