MBDA Unveil Exocet SM40: Next-Gen Submarine-Launched Anti-Ship Missile with Advanced Range and Resilience

At the Euronaval event, MBDA, the European missile manufacturer, unveiled its next-generation submarine-launched Exocet SM40, a significant leap forward in anti-ship missile technology. This missile joins the ranks of the Exocet family—known for its resilience, versatility, and lethal precision in naval combat. As the latest in a long line of Exocet missiles, the SM40 strengthens MBDA’s position as the only European firm providing a truly comprehensive suite of anti-ship solutions for both surface ships and submarines.

The SM40 evolves from the trusted SM39, but this latest iteration introduces powerful new capabilities tailored to the demands of today’s complex naval environment. With advanced technological enhancements that allow it to operate under any weather, day or night, and in increasingly hostile electronic warfare (EW) conditions, the SM40 is built to withstand modern threats. As detection and countermeasures for submarines and anti-ship threats become more advanced, this missile’s resilience against EW disruptions makes it a formidable asset for any naval fleet.

Enhanced Targeting and Resilience in Electronic Warfare

One of the standout upgrades of the Exocet SM40 is its cutting-edge RF seeker operating in the J-band. This new seeker, initially developed for the Exocet MM40 Block 3c, is designed to navigate complex EW scenarios more effectively than previous versions. It can lock onto targets despite interference from sophisticated radar and jamming efforts, allowing it to identify and engage with precision. To further support this seeker, MBDA has enhanced the missile’s algorithms, enabling it to differentiate between genuine targets and decoys, a vital capability when encountering well-defended fleets employing advanced countermeasures.

These features grant the Exocet SM40 a level of target identification accuracy that is unparalleled in MBDA's submarine-launched arsenal. With these advancements, the missile isn’t just about striking targets; it’s about doing so with greater assurance that the intended target will be hit, even under the most adverse conditions.

A Significant Boost in Range and Propulsion

One of the most talked-about advancements of the Exocet SM40 is its extended range, reaching approximately 120 kilometers. This range boost is achieved thanks to a sophisticated turbojet engine, which not only increases the stand-off distance but also ensures higher speed and sustained flight. In naval warfare, where submarines need to stay as far as possible from surface threats, this increased range translates to better survivability and more flexible tactical options. The propulsion system also enables the missile to reach higher speeds, giving it a tactical edge when engaging fast-moving targets or well-protected surface ships.

This boost in propulsion and range aligns with the growing need for anti-submarine warfare assets to operate at safer distances. When facing well-armed fleets that pose serious risks to a submarine’s safety, the SM40’s range becomes a crucial factor for submarine crews seeking to maintain a safe distance.

Seamless Integration with Modern Submarines

MBDA has worked closely with Naval Group to ensure the Exocet SM40 remains compatible with existing submarine platforms. Retaining the SM39’s proven launch architecture allows this new missile to be integrated with minimal modifications, ensuring fast deployment and a quick transition for naval operators who are already familiar with the Exocet system. This compatibility means that submarines equipped with the SM39 can be upgraded to the SM40 with relative ease, leveraging the missile’s enhanced capabilities without requiring extensive platform alterations.

Additionally, this backward compatibility provides an economic advantage for nations seeking to update their submarine-launched capabilities without the need for significant overhaul costs. By maintaining this streamlined integration, MBDA positions the Exocet SM40 as an accessible, ready-to-use solution for both existing and new submarines, thereby facilitating its swift market entry.

Strategic Implications of the SM40

With the Exocet SM40, MBDA is catering to the rising demand for flexible, resilient, and technologically advanced anti-ship solutions that provide an edge in increasingly contested maritime spaces. The Exocet SM40’s ability to launch under diverse conditions, combined with its enhanced range and EW resilience, makes it an invaluable asset for navies worldwide. As modern naval threats evolve, the SM40’s strategic value lies not only in its immediate combat effectiveness but also in its compatibility with existing submarine fleets, reducing both time and cost barriers for adoption.

In a world where naval power is critical to geopolitical influence, the Exocet SM40’s unveiling marks a new chapter in submarine-launched missile technology. Its extended range, advanced EW capabilities, and adaptability make it a force multiplier for any naval fleet, embodying the future of submarine-launched anti-ship warfare.