MBDA Unveils Sub-launched SM-40 Exocet at Euronaval 2024

06 November 2024

Sub-launced SM-40 Exocet (image: MBDA)

Exocet SM40: a new game changer in the Exocet family for mastery of the seas

At Euronaval, MBDA is showcasing the newest generation of its world-renowned family of Exocet anti-ship missiles, continuously evolving to meet modern naval requirements and to ensure current and future maritime superiority. MBDA presents for the first time a brand new submarine-launched missile for anti-ship and surface warfare, the Exocet SM40. With this new missile, MBDA builds on its expertise to remain the sole European player to provide a unique sovereign capability for submarines, with no equivalent on the market.

The ability to successfully fire an anti-ship missile at any time of day or night, and in all weathers, and whatever the Electronic Warfare conditions, has always been vital. In addition, the capability of surface ships to detect a submarine has increased a lot over the years due to technological improvements, leading to a new generation of anti-ship missiles.

The Exocet SM40 features two main changes – when compared to the Exocet SM39 – to meet the new challenges of modern naval warfare, while maintaining the operational advantages that contributed to the success of SM39, such as the ability to fire at extreme depths or from brown water.

MBDA claims that SM40 will achieve a range of 120 km, which is double that of its SM-39 as predecessor (image: Jane's)

Building on a successful spiral evolution, the Exocet SM40 integrates the latest technologies developed for the Exocet MM40 B3C, including a new coherent J-band RF seeker and associated missile algorithms developed for high-intensity context. The Exocet SM40 will benefit from a renewed capability to discriminate and identify targets in a complex and highly demanding electronic warfare environment.

It also features a doubled range in the class of 120 km with a new propulsion system with a turbojet engine to regain the stand-off distance in anti-submarine warfare. These new capabilities are essential to ensure submarine self-protection against all kinds of modern and future threats and defeat highly defended vessels. To secure a fast time to market and minimize integration work, Exocet SM40 uses the same unrivalled launch envelope (propelled and guided underwater vehicle) as the Exocet SM39. MBDA is providing Naval Group submarines with game-changing capability for the next decade based on a well-proven solution for customers. With this new missile, Exocet remains Navies’ life insurance at sea, whenever, wherever and in any weather conditions.

(MBDA)