|
According
to the French Navy, the goal of the test was to train the crew in anti-surface
warfare (ASUW) for an upcomming operational deployment.
The French Navy describes the MM40 Block II as an "over the horizon"
missile. It is the main ASUW weapon on board the Cassard class (F70AA),
Leygues class (F70 ASM), and Lafayette class frigates.
Main specifications of the missile:
Length : 5,20 m
Diameter : 0,35 m
Weight : 735 kg
Warhead : 165 kg
Speed : Mach 1
Range : 70 km
Exocet, in production since 1972, was the West’s first long range
anti-ship missile with "fire and forget" and sea-skimming
flight capabilities. Since entering service in 1972, 3,600 EXOCET missiles,
in all configurations, have been sold to 35 countries.
The MM40 Block II onboard Horizon class destroyers will ultimatly be
replaced by the newer Block III version currently under production by
MBDA. The Block III features many improvements: It is fitted with a
booster and has a significantly extended operational range making it
a 200 km class weapon and features open ocean, littoral and coastal
land attack capabilities. The new Block III is compatible with Block
II launchers.
|
|
The
Horizon-class destroyers were built under the Horizon programme to meet
a joint requirement for four anti-air warfare destroyers with a displacement
of approximately 7,000 tonnes (two for the French Navy and two for the
Italian Navy). The programme was a multinational collaboration between
France and Italy. The primary weapon system was developed and produced
in partnership with the UK.
Horizon-class destroyers are equipped with the Principal Anti Air Missile
System (PAAMS), a joint French/Italian/British programme for a naval
anti-aircraft weapon. Both vessels have been deployed during Operation
Harmattan. Off the coast of Libya, they have ensured the protection
of naval groups around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Tonnerre
and Mistral LHDs. They also conducted coastal fire support operations
and coordinated the air activity for the coalition operating off the
coast of Libya. |
An MBDA-made
MM40 Block II Exocet anti-ship missile is launched from the Horizon-class
Destroyer Forbin. Picture: French Navy
The French
Navy destroyer FS Forbin (D620) in the Arabian Sea