MBDA was awarded a contract by France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) to supply Exocet MM40 Block 3C (MM40 B3C) anti-ship missiles for the French Navy’s frigates.

The MM40 B3C version is an upgraded version of the Exocet MM40, boasting enhanced range, accuracy and countermeasure resistance. According to MBDA, it features a range of over 200 km, a digital radar altimeter and a new seeker, enabling it to effectively engage modern electronic countermeasures and stealth ships.

Already being deployed on French Navy frigates, including multi-mission frigates (FREMM), air defence frigates (FDA) and, soon, defence and intervention frigates (FDI), the Exocet family includes high-subsonic anti-ship missiles that can be launched from naval, aerial and coastal platforms. 

So far, the Exocet’s evolution has progressed through various standards: Block 1, 2, 3 and now 3C.

Also read: MBDA | Exocet Block 3c missile successfully fired from French frigate

This contract follows a successful technical-operational test conducted on September 20, 2023, by the DGA and the French Navy, using the area air defence-enhanced FREMM Alsace frigate. The test confirmed the effectiveness of the B3C’s new seeker in an electronic warfare scenario.

Deliveries of the new missiles will commence in January 2024, complementing previously ordered MM40 B3Cs. MBDA is also upgrading existing MM40 B3 missiles to the B3C standard. 

The production involves a network of subcontractors throughout France, with final assembly at MBDA’s facility in Selles-Saint-Denis (Loir-et-Cher). 

It is recalled that the EXOCET MM40 BLOCK 3C system will also be received by the National Guard. More on this in the article below.

Also read: EXOCET MM40 Blk 3 | Tremendous Upgrade for the capabilities of National Guard’s Navy – Photos and Videos