Missiles comprise the final major category in this air-to-ground class. F/A-18s are capable of hauling four Texas Instruments AGM-88A high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARM) for "Iron Hand" supression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. The AGM-145 Shrike is also employed against radars and SAMs in conjunction with the Hornet platform. The AIM-122A Sidearm anti-radiation missile can replace wingtip Sidewinders. These are essentially AIM-9C variants with the infrared seeker head replaced by a broadband passive radar-homing device.
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In addition, F/A-18s can carry four Hughes AGM-65 Maverick television-guided missiles and can accommodate the infrared-homing 675-lb version of this missile as well. Hornets can also be configured to carry two over-the-horizon AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missiles with their range of around 70 nautical miles. The AGM-84E SLAM and SLAM/ER (expanded response) missiles are Harpoon-derived, Maverick-seeker headed standoff weapons, with ranges of over 50 and 150 nautical miles respectively. The Hornet is also cleared for use with the AGM-154A/B/C Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW).
