The Penguin missile is the only helicopter-launched missile in the Navy's inventory. It was developed for use by LAMPS III helicopters (such as modified SH-60B and SH-60F) and NATO allies. The long range of this missile permits helicopters armed with it to operate outside the range of the targets. Penguin is operated as "fire-and-forgot" to allow multiple target acquisition.

Developed in the 1960's by and for the Norwegian Navy, Penguin entered service in 1972 with the Norwegian and Turkish Navies. The MK2 entered service in 1980 with the Norwegian, Hellenic and Swedish navies. The air launched penguin MK3 (AGM-119A) is the standard anti-ship missile of the F-16 Fighting Falcon of the Norwegian Air Force, and completed an Evaluation Program for foreign Counties conducted by the US Air Force. The LAMPS III adapted version is the MK2 Mod 7 (AGM-119B) with folded wings.

The high degree of discrimination and target selection is provided by the high resolution, passive infrared seeker. The high accuracy, inertial navigation system ensures the missile's capability of target detection, and provides the flexibility of mid-course trajectory via pilot-designated way-point.

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