
EXOCET MM40 BLOCK 3C NEW GENERATION LONG RANGE ANTI-SHIP MISSILE SYSTEM
The Hellenic Parliament’s special committee for Foreign
Affairs and Defence recently approved the procurement
of 16 MM-40 Block 3C Exocet missiles, valued at €33
million. These missiles, manufactured by MBDA, will be
integrated into the Hellenic Navy- Fast Boat Command’s
inventory.
The Exocet Block 3C features a 200 km range, more
than double the range of its predecessor, the Block 2 (70
km). Unlike older versions, the Block 3C can target
coastal installations and strategic infrastructure,
broadening its operational use.
The Exocet MM40 Block 3 weapon system is the latest
generation ship-borne version of the Exocet family and is
in operational service with several navies.
Exocet MM40 Block 3 provides enhanced operational
performance and technology upgrades, while minimising
the impact on procurement and logistic support costs.
Exocet MM40 Block 3’s Mission Planning software
module automatically computes engagement plans to
support firing decisions.
The flexibility of the Exocet MM40 Block 3 weapon is
further enhanced by the accuracy of the new navigation
package, allowing optimized 3D approach trajectories
and terminal attacks from different azimuths, at very low
sea skimming altitude with simultaneous time on target.
The terminal guidance relies on a sophisticated J-band
active seeker to discriminate and select targets at sea
and on the GPS accuracy for land targets.
Exocet MM40 Block 3 is compatible with most of the
logistic support assets already in service. Its launching
system is interoperable with all MM40 versions, thus
enabling a smooth transition to Block 3.
- Combat proven
- All weather
- Multi-target
- Long range capability against moving targets
- Littoral warfare and coastal land attack
- Compatible with existing EXOCET MM40 assets
Operational advantages
- Maritime superiority missile, from deterrence to engagement
- Fire-and-forget
- Provides long range strike capability in all environments (brown and blue waters) with a high probability of intercept
- All-weather
- Ensures a high-penetration probability against the most strongly defended surface targets
- Multi-target
- Salvo capability
- Littoral warfare and coastal land attack
- Comprehensive and easy-to-use Mission Planning System
Airframe
- Optimised for high-G terminal manoeuvres
- Low observability: reduced IR and RCS signatures
Propulsion
- A single jettisoned rocket booster at launch and a new turbojet engine, giving operational flexibility and longrange engagement
Navigation
- 3D way-points navigation based on a hybrid INS/GPS package and a radar altimeter
- Self-adapted sea-skimming
Terminal guidance
- Advanced J-band active RF seeker with adaptive search patterns
- Land attack on coordinates
Warhead
- Insensitive warhead
- Optimised HE blast and pre-fragmented effects
- Impact fuze and proximity function
Technical characteristics/specifications
- Weight: 780kg
- Length: < 6m
- Diameter: 350mm
- Speed: High subsonic
The new Belharra frigates of the Hellenic Navy will also
be equipped with Exocet missiles, bolstering their antiaircraft
and anti-surface warfare capabilities.
