Euronaval 2024: MBDA Unveils Exocet SM40 Missile with Enhanced Submarine-Launched Anti-Ship Capabilities.

MBDA unveils the Exocet SM40, a cutting-edge addition to its acclaimed Exocet anti-ship missile family, at Euronaval 2024, an International naval defense exhibition that opens today in Paris, France. This latest variant enhances the flexibility and firepower of submarine forces by providing them with an advanced anti-ship missile tailored for stealth and precision. Building on the combat-proven reputation of the Exocet line, the SM40 brings next-generation capabilities, optimized for underwater deployment and designed to perform even in complex maritime warfare scenarios.
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Illustration of the MBDA Exocet SM40 missile in action, designed for submarine launch with advanced sea-skimming capabilities and high-precision guidance, enhancing stealth and strike power in modern naval warfare. (Picture source: MBDA)

The Exocet SM40 is the latest evolution in MBDA’s Exocet anti-ship missile series, widely regarded as the global standard for anti-ship missiles. Designed for submarine launch, the SM40 leverages MBDA’s extensive expertise in missile technology, offering advanced maneuverability and sea-skimming capabilities. Upon launch from a submarine's torpedo tube, the SM40 exits a special launch container (Vehicule Sous-Marin, or VSM Submarine Vehicle), enabling it to rise to the surface before activating its propulsion system. From there, the missile autonomously navigates at low altitudes over the sea, using active radar guidance to evade enemy radar and deliver precise terminal attacks. The SM40 is an ideal solution for covert submarine operations at approximately 50 km with a range optimized for stealth and short-range engagements.

With its advanced guidance and low-altitude flight profile, the Exocet SM40 is a formidable addition to any navy’s arsenal, enabling submarines to engage high-value maritime targets from a significant standoff distance while remaining undetected. The missile’s ability to follow complex paths and incorporate waypoints further complicates interception efforts, increasing its effectiveness against heavily defended targets. The SM40 measures under 6 meters in length, weighs approximately 780 kilograms, has a diameter of 350 millimeters, and operates at high subsonic speeds—an ideal configuration for a stealthy, high-impact weapon in submarine warfare.

In parallel, MBDA’s Exocet MM40 Block 3 remains the latest generation ship-launched variant in the Exocet family. Designed for surface warships, the MM40 Block 3 extends the operational range of Exocet missiles to around 200 km, offering a highly versatile solution for anti-ship and coastal land attack roles. Noteworthy for its all-weather capability, the MM40 Block 3 features an advanced active RF seeker that ensures high hit probability against both moving and stationary targets, regardless of environmental conditions.

This variant includes several advancements in navigation and propulsion, including a hybrid INS/GPS navigation system that supports the use of 3D waypoints. This allows the MM40 Block 3 to execute optimized flight paths and simultaneous terminal attacks with multiple missiles—a crucial capability for overwhelming advanced air defenses. The MM40 Block 3 is further distinguished by its turbojet engine with a jettisoned rocket booster, which provides operational flexibility and an impressive range suited for both blue-water and littoral operations. Its insensitive warhead is optimized for high-explosive blast effects and pre-fragmentation, enhancing impact against hardened targets.

One of the significant advantages of the Exocet MM40 Block 3 lies in its compatibility with existing Exocet support assets. The missile’s launch system remains interoperable with all prior MM40 versions, easing the transition to Block 3 for navies with earlier Exocet models. Designed with versatility in mind, the MM40 Block 3 can be integrated into a wide range of naval platforms, offering ease of installation and mission adaptability.

Both the SM40 and MM40 Block 3 variants are configured to operate in diverse maritime environments. The MM40 Block 3, in particular, is optimized for high-G maneuvers and maintains low radar and infrared signatures, enhancing its stealth and survivability against sophisticated defense systems.

MBDA’s unveiling of the Exocet SM40 underscores its commitment to delivering top-tier solutions for maritime warfare, especially for navies seeking robust submarine-launched anti-ship capabilities. The SM40, paired with the versatile MM40 Block 3, provides navies with a suite of options for both submarine and surface-launched operations, ensuring preparedness in high-threat, contested environments. As navies worldwide seek to modernize their fleets, MBDA’s Exocet family stands ready to provide the maritime superiority and technological edge needed to prevail in modern naval engagements.