Exocet Anti-Ship Missile Receives New Radar Guidance System

The Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missile has been upgraded with a new generation coherent homing system, enhancing its capabilities in electronic warfare environments.

This development was confirmed in an exclusive interview with Naval News by the head of MBDA’s long-range weapons division.

The Block 3C missile, which began its introduction in 2022, features improvements aimed at bolstering its guidance system against enemy electronic interference. The upgrade comes amid increasing electronic warfare activity, particularly noted in the Black Sea and Ukraine.

The key advancement in the Block 3C over its predecessor, the Block 3, is the integration of a new seeker operating in the J-Band. This digital radio frequency homing device, developed by Thales, facilitates coherent radar data processing, allowing the missile to discern minor speed variations indicative of target movement. This coherent processing enhances resistance to interference, enabling better performance in complex electronic environments.

Furthermore, the new guidance technology allows the Exocet MM40 Block 3C to identify specific ships within a group and engage targeted areas effectively. While similar capabilities are seen in modern anti-ship missiles like the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) and Naval Strike Missile (NSM), those systems rely on infrared homing technologies.

The Block 3 upgrade extends the Exocet missile's operational range to 200 kilometers and includes a new turbojet engine that allows for targeting coastal installations. The Block 3C variant has been in service with the French Navy since December 2022, with the Fleet Command ordering 55 new missiles and 45 kits to upgrade existing Block 3 missiles.

Recent sea trials conducted by the frigate Alsace in September 2023 demonstrated the missile's readiness for operational deployment.