French MoD press release – translation by Naval News
These missiles will be added to the MM40 B3C missiles already ordered, delivery of which began in January 2024. MBDA is also upgrading the legacy in-service MM40 B3 missiles to the B3C version.
The B3C version of the missile aims to maintain the MM40’s operational capability at the highest level, notably by offering enhanced performance in terms of range, accuracy and resistance to countermeasures. MM40 production involves a large network of subcontractors throughout France. These missiles are assembled at MBDA’s Selles-Saint-Denis site (Loir-et-Cher).
Exocet is a family of anti-ship missiles of the “high subsonic” speed class, which can be deployed from a wide range of platforms (naval, air or land). The missile’s evolution is supported by successive standards called Block 1, 2, 3 and 3C.
With a range of over 200 km, the new B3C version adds a digital radio altimeter and a new homing device to the B3 version, designed to enhance the munition’s capabilities in the face of the major challenge posed by the widespread use of new-generation electronic countermeasures and stealth ships.
The Exocet MM40 Block 3C has now begun equipping the French Navy’s first rank frigates: the FREMM (multi-mission frigate), the FDA (air defense frigate), and tomorrow the FDI (defense and intervention frigate).
This follows the technical-operational evaluation firing coordinated by DGA in collaboration with the French Navy, from the FREMM DA (French multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capability) ‘Alsace’ on September 20, 2023.
This firing aimed at verifying the missile’s behavior, and demonstrated the performance of the B3C’s latest-generation seeker in a final sequence representative of a complex electronic warfare scenario.
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