The anti-ship missile can be integrated on a wide variety of platforms

The French navy has successfully fired one of the latest generation of MBDA’s Exocet missile – Mer-Mer 40 Block 3c (MM40 B3c) – from the multi-mission Alsace frigate (FREMM DA) off the coast of the DGA missile test centre (DGA EM) of Ile du Levant (France) on 20 September.

Exocet MM40 B3c is the latest generation of MBDA’s Exocet family of anti-ship missiles, which can be integrated on various platforms, including surface ships, submarines, fast jets, helicopters and coastal batteries. It is MBDA’s response to new conflicts with an evolving threat spectrum, particularly in high-intensity combat in complex electronic warfare environments. Previous versions of Exocet are in service with several navies around the world.

The B3c generation builds on the successive improvements made to Exocet throughout its service. MM40 B3c includes all the features for which Exocet is renowned, in particular, its all-weather capability and high flexibility of use. In addition, this latest missile benefits from new seeker technology and the development of new algorithms designed to meet the latest operational requirements of anti-ship warfare.

Eric Béranger, MBDA CEO, said: “I am extremely proud of the success of this operational evaluation firing of the Exocet MM40 B3c, performed from the multi-mission Alsace frigate. It proves the new capabilities of the missile’s latest generation, whose major developments keep it at the forefront in a high-intensity context. Exocet is a real symbol for MBDA, and this success is further proof of the skill and technical excellence of MBDA’s people. I would also like to thank the DGA and French navy for this firing.”

MBDA has continued to develop Exocet since it entered service. This has enabled the missile to adapt to new battlefield conditions while maintaining its exceptional all-weather capability.