French Navy Orders EXOCET MM40 Block 3C Missiles

The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) in April issued an order to MBDA for the acquisition of EXOCET 40 Block 3C (MM40 B3C) missiles.

This procurement is intended to equip the French Navy's frigates as per the Military Programming Law (LP) 2024-2030..

The EXOCET 40 Block 3C (MM40 B3C) missiles aim to maintain the operational capability of the MM40, offering increased range, precision, and resistance to countermeasures. Distinguished by its range exceeding 200 kilometers, the B3C variant incorporates features such as a digital radio altimeter and a new seeker, for improved effectiveness in countering contemporary electronic warfare tactics and stealth vessels.

Scheduled for deployment on various vessels within the French Navy, including the multi-mission frigate (FREMM), air defense frigate (FDA), and future defense and intervention frigate (FDI), the EXOCET MM40 Block 3C missiles belong to the "high subsonic" class of anti-ship missiles, adaptable for utilization across naval, aerial, or terrestrial platforms. The evolutionary trajectory of the EXOCET missile is delineated through successive standards denoted as Block 1, 2, 3, and 3C.

The decision to integrate the EXOCET 40 Block 3C missiles into the arsenal of French Navy frigates follows a meticulously orchestrated technical-operational evaluation coordinated by the DGA in conjunction with the French Navy. This evaluation, executed from the multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capability (FREMM DA) Alsace on September 20, 2023, aimed to scrutinize the missile's efficacy within a multifaceted electronic warfare environment.

Augmenting the inventory of MM40 B3C munitions, which commenced delivery in January 2024, the newly ordered missiles will complement ongoing efforts by MBDA to modernize existing MM40 B3 missiles to the B3C configuration. The manufacturing process of MM40 missiles encompasses collaboration with subcontractors throughout France, culminating in final assembly at the MBDA facility located in Selles-Saint-Denis, Loir-et-Cher.