MBDA launches new Exocet for submarines

MBDA has launched the Exocet SM40 submarine-launched anti-ship missile at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, according to a 3rd November company press release. 

The SM40 builds upon the ship-launched Exocet MM40 Block 3C and is designed to provide an upgrade to the SM39 submarine-launched anti-ship missile. One of the primary changes is that the SM40 is fitted with a J-band radio frequency (RF) seeker and associated missile algorithms as well as an increased range in the 120 km class. The SM39 was fitted with an active radar seeker and provided a range of 50 km, according to MBDA. 

Included in the SM40 is a renewed ability to discriminate between targets using its J-band seeker understood to be provided by Thales, and modernised algorithms, which enable the missile to choose different approach trajectories and angles to maximise the chances of a successful strike. A J-band seeker falls between the C-band and X-band and covers the 10 – 20 GHz frequencies. 

These changes are necessary for the modern age of warfare as electronic warfare has also improved since the Exocet family first entered service in the 1970s and 80s. For instance, it is now possible to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with electronic warfare to generate more intelligent jamming and deception solutions that can fool RF sensors into misinterpreting their surroundings. This reason alone justifies revisions to almost any missile’s targeting algorithms to better enable them to locate and engage a target in the final stages of an engagement. 

This image shows the SM39 as it separates from its VMS, shortly after leaving the water. Credit: MBDA.

The range increase is powered by a new propulsion system over the SM39 with a turbojet engine. The missile is launched from the submarine’s standard torpedo tubes using a VSM (Vehicule Sous-Marin) container launch module, which houses the missile and ejects it as soon as it leaves the water, leaving the missile free to travel onwards to its target. This enables the submarine to fire the missile “from extreme depths or brown water,” according to MBDA. Brown water operations typically indicate missions that are conducted close to the shore, rather than in the depths of an ocean or sea. 

MBDA states that the SM40 retains many of the key capabilities of the SM39, but does not mention any changes to the warhead. The SM39 carried a 165 kg high explosive fragmentation warhead, it is possible that this is retained for the SM40. 

At present, the SM40 is not thought to have any customers and is at a developmental stage. However, existing operators of the SM-39 include Brazil, Chile, France, and Malaysia. France is actively seeking an upgrade to its sub-surface capabilities, and is a likely first customer.