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MBDA celebrates the production of the 4.000th Exocet and launches the new SM40 version at Euronaval 2024. Versatile and efficient, the missile gains improvements in precision and search systems, reaffirming MBDA's leadership in naval defense. The new submarine-launched version meets modern challenges with cutting-edge technology.
An unprecedented feat shook up the defense industry in October 2024, once again placing France in the spotlight in the cutting-edge weapons sector.
The multinational European MBDA has reached an impressive milestone by completing production of the 4.000th missile in its renowned Exocet line, known for its precision and efficiency in naval combat.
This historic unit was handed over with honors to the French Navy and, to mark the occasion, MBDA launched a special edition of the missile, featuring a commemorative design.
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The model’s debut at Euronaval 2024 reinforces MBDA’s status as a leader in maritime defense innovations.
The Exocet missile: a symbol of effectiveness and tradition in naval defense
The Exocet is widely celebrated as one of the most effective anti-ship missiles on the global market, and it is no coincidence that it is part of the arsenal of 36 countries around the world.
Developed in the 1970s, the Exocet stands out for its ability to “fire and forget”, allowing the missile to track and attack targets without the need for additional control after launch.
This feature is essential in combat scenarios, especially in situations where the operator needs to redirect his attention to new threats.
In addition to its operational practicality, the Exocet is known for its versatility. The missile can be launched from different platforms, such as ships, aircraft and land systems, which makes it a flexible tool for armed forces.
The version MM40 Block 3C, one of the most advanced, offers extended range and even greater accuracy, incorporating technologies that reduce electronic interference and increase target accuracy.
The missile reaches high subsonic speeds and operates in any weather conditions, reinforcing its reputation for reliability.
Euronaval 2024: showcase of innovations and new advances
The 4.000th Exocet milestone comes amid major changes in the defense industry, driven by increasingly complex maritime threats.
The Euronaval fair, held annually in Paris, is one of the largest in the sector, attracting companies and military authorities from all over the world to present and discuss cutting-edge technologies.
This year, MBDA took advantage of the event to showcase the new version of the Exocet, the SM40, designed specifically for launch from submarines.
With this addition, the Exocet family expands its operational capabilities, becoming an alternative for more discreet and difficult-to-intercept submarine missions.
O Exocet SM40 features an advanced search and mission planning system, offering superior flexibility in complex attack scenarios.
This new model was developed to respond to emerging threats and more stringent defense demands, such as those imposed by naval forces with cyber capabilities.
This evolution allows the Exocet to maintain its status as a reliable deterrent, even in the face of an increasingly challenging global defense scenario, according to sources from MBDA itself and the specialized website Joint Forces
Sovereignty and security: MBDA's commitment to European defence
MBDA not only celebrates the success of the Exocet, but also reinforces its commitment to European sovereignty in the development of defense technologies.
As part of a multinational consortium with Airbus and Leonardo, the company continually invests in sovereign defense solutions to counter threats such as drones, hypersonic missiles and unmanned underwater vehicles, known as UUVs.
This commitment was reinforced in the Euronaval with the presentation of scalable defense systems, such as Sea Warden, designed to counter multi-layered air and sea threats.
Additionally, MBDA maintains its focus on air defense missiles such as the Aster, developed in partnership with Italy, and which is one of the main air protection systems in use in Europe.
This system stands out for its ability to intercept hypersonic threats and is already widely used in countries such as Italy and the United Kingdom.
The evolution of naval warfare: new challenges and the industry's response
This year's Euronaval made clear the urgency with which European nations face the current geopolitical scenario.
In times where disputes over maritime space and resources are growing, countries are increasingly investing in advanced defense systems to protect their territorial waters.
MBDA is committed to innovation to offer marine European and other countries systems that guarantee complete defense and rapid responses.
