Pan-European missile manufacturer MBDA has unveiled plans for a new submarine-launched variant of its Exocet anti-ship missile.
In a promotional video, the Exocet SM40 is seen targeting a Type 055 destroyer—known as the Renhai-class cruiser in NATO terminology—a stealth guided-missile destroyer from China’s naval fleet.
“EXOCET SM40 is our latest generation submarine-launched anti-ship system, and part of one of our most advanced maritime missile families,” the video text states.
The Exocet SM40 builds upon the capabilities of its predecessor, the Exocet SM39, with two major enhancements designed to address the evolving challenges of modern naval warfare. These include the integration of advanced technologies from the Exocet MM40 B3c, such as a coherent J-band RF seeker and updated missile algorithms, enhancing the missile’s ability to operate in high-intensity electronic warfare environments.
Note target ship in MBDA promo video resembling a Type 055 DDG. https://t.co/P4JR6J2U9e pic.twitter.com/SwfANQoIdU
— Alex Luck (@AlexLuck9) November 4, 2024
These advancements enable the Exocet SM40 to accurately discriminate and identify targets, even in complex electronic conditions, while retaining the operational flexibility to launch from extreme depths or brown water. This capability is crucial as advancements in surface ship detection have increased the threat to submarines, requiring a more sophisticated anti-ship response.
MBDA’s new missile reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining its position as Europe’s premier provider of advanced naval strike capabilities. “With this new missile, MBDA builds on its expertise to remain the sole European player to provide a unique sovereign capability for submarines, with no equivalent on the market,” the company stated.
The promo video’s inclusion of a Chinese Type 055 destroyer underscores the missile’s potential role in countering emerging naval threats.