AGM-130

🇺🇸United States

Rockwell

1991 – Present

Overview

The AGM-130 is a U.S. air-to-ground standoff missile developed in the 1990s, designed to engage ground targets from a safe distance using aircraft like the F-15E and F-16. With a range of up to 93 miles, it employs inertial navigation and infrared guidance to accurately strike fixed targets while minimizing collateral damage, making it a vital asset for missions against enemy air defenses and high-value targets.

Specifications

General

Length M3.92 m

Range Km75 km

Launch Platformair

GuidanceTV/IIR

Warhead Kg907 kg

Launch Weight Kg1,320 kg

Research Notes

Powered Standoff Precision Weapon

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AGM-130 was developed as a U.S. Air Force powered standoff precision weapon derived from guided-bomb technology. It added a rocket motor and guidance improvements to give strike aircraft more reach against fixed, high-value targets. The weapon belongs to the transition period between laser-guided bomb tactics and more flexible standoff precision strike.

Section Sources

AGM-130AFederation of American Scientists • 1999 • Supports powered standoff precision weapon context.

F-15E Standoff Attack Role

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U.S. Air Force budget material described AGM-130 as a premier guided standoff weapon delivered by F-15E aircraft, emphasizing a large warhead and extended standoff range. The system gave crews a way to attack defended targets while reducing exposure to air defenses. Its value came from precision, warhead size, and keeping the launch aircraft farther from the target area.

Section Sources

AGM-130AFederation of American Scientists • 1999 • Supports f-15e standoff attack role context.FY 2003 Air Force Procurement Justification - AGM-130U.S. Air Force • 2002 • Supports f-15e standoff attack role context.

Bridge to Modern Stand-Off Weapons

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AGM-130 is useful historically because it shows how air forces adapted precision attack before today’s wider mix of small glide bombs, cruise missiles, and networked weapons. It was specialized and relatively large, so it did not become a universal strike weapon. For HiWars, the page should present it as a specific standoff solution for high-value targets rather than a generic missile.

Section Sources

AGM-130AFederation of American Scientists • 1999 • Supports bridge to modern stand-off weapons context.FY 2003 Air Force Procurement Justification - AGM-130U.S. Air Force • 2002 • Supports bridge to modern stand-off weapons context.

Sources & References

Missile Threat missile databaseCenter for Strategic and International Studies • 2026