Successful Firing of New Generation Exocet Missile from French Frigate

A successful firing, by the French navy, of the latest generation of MBDA’s Exocet missile – Mer-Mer 40 Block 3c (MM40 B3c) – took place from the multi-mission Alsace frigate (FREMM DA) off the coast of the DGA missile test centre (DGA EM) of Ile du Levant on 20 September 2023.

Exocet MM40 B3c is the latest generation of MBDA’s Exocet family of anti-ship missiles for integration on a wide variety of platforms including surface ships, submarines, fast jets, helicopters and coastal batteries. 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 characteristics 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.

MBDA CEO Eric Béranger 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. The Exocet MM40 B3c is MBDA’s response to new conflicts with an evolving threat spectrum, in particular high-intensity combat in complex electronic warfare environments.