Exocet MM38

Exocet MM38
Name	Exocet MM38
Type	Surface-to-surface missile
Origin	France
Service	1975–present
Used by	See Operators
Designer	Aérospatiale
Manufacturer	MBDA France

Exocet MM38 is a French ship-launched anti-ship missile first introduced in the 1970s. Developed by Aérospatiale and later produced by MBDA, the MM38 became notable for its role in several Cold War and post–Cold War maritime engagements. The MM38's operational use influenced naval procurement decisions in navies such as the Royal Navy, Argentine Navy, Chilean Navy, and French Navy.

Development

Development began within Aérospatiale during the late 1960s amid requirements generated by NATO navies and the French Navy for a compact, sea-skimming weapon after assessments influenced by events such as the Six-Day War and analyses by NATO planners. The program drew on research from French aerospace programs at institutions like ONERA and industrial partnerships including Société Nationale Industrielle Aérospatiale. Trials occurred at test ranges associated with Direction générale de l'armement testing facilities and were informed by lessons from the Soviet Navy's anti-ship missile developments. The MM38 entered service after evaluation programs involving acceptance tests at shipyards linked to DCNS and ship classes under construction for export to navies such as the Hellenic Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

Design and Specifications

The MM38 uses a solid-propellant rocket motor and an inertial navigation system with active radar homing provided by radar specialists collaborating with firms such as Thales Group and legacy electronics companies. The missile's low-altitude sea-skimming flight profile was developed with input from aerodynamic studies performed at institutions comparable to EADS research facilities and implemented through materials sourced from the French defense industrial base. The launch container and shipboard installation leveraged engineering practices from shipbuilders including Chantiers de l'Atlantique and Fincantieri for export variants. The missile's compact form factor suited corvettes and patrol vessels commissioned by navies such as the Royal Canadian Navy and South African Navy, while warhead design and fuzing reflected ordnance expertise from suppliers linked to Nexter Systems and other munitions firms.

Operational History

The MM38 saw operational deployment with the French Navy and numerous export customers during the late Cold War period, being fitted on vessel classes including frigates, corvettes, and fast attack craft. Its first high-profile combat use occurred during the Falklands War when the Argentine Navy employed Exocet-armed platforms against the Royal Navy's task force, producing engagements involving ships associated with flags such as United Kingdom and causing strategic reassessments among NATO and Commonwealth navies. The missile featured in later conflicts involving navies operating in the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Sea, and South Atlantic Ocean, shaping tactics refined by staff colleges linked to École de Guerre and maritime doctrine centers in capitals such as Paris, London, and Buenos Aires.

Variants and Upgrades

Following the MM38, development progressed to variants including ship-launched and air-launched models produced by successors at Aerospatiale-Matra and later MBDA. Upgrades included improved guidance suites using processors originating from firms comparable to Thales Group and enhanced propulsion from industrial partners serving NATO programs. Some operators retrofitted launchers and electronics sourced from defense contractors involved with programs like those of OTAN interoperability initiatives and cooperative procurement between countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece.

Export and Combat Use

The MM38 was exported widely to nations in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia, with sales negotiated through export authorities including France's Direction générale de l'armement and influenced by diplomatic relations with capitals such as Santiago, Buenos Aires, Pretoria, and Athens. Combat use by the Argentine Navy during the Falklands conflict and subsequent operations informed international law discussions at venues including the United Nations and maritime security dialogues involving organizations like INTERPOL and regional navies. The presence of the missile in littoral inventories affected procurement choices by countries such as Chile, Peru, Egypt, and Iraq at different points during the late 20th century.

Operators

Current and former operators included the French Navy, Argentine Navy, Chilean Navy, Hellenic Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Navy (via captured or evaluated systems), South African Navy, Egyptian Navy, Peruvian Navy, Iraqi Navy (historical), and various other navies in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Transfers and retirements were handled through intergovernmental agreements negotiated between ministries in capitals such as Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Santiago de Chile.

Incidents and Controversies

Notable controversies arose after the Falklands engagements, with inquiries and legal debates in jurisdictions such as London and Buenos Aires regarding rules of engagement and export controls administered by French authorities. The sinking and damage to vessels sparked media coverage by outlets based in cities like Buenos Aires, London, and Paris and led to intelligence studies at establishments associated with NATO and national defense academies. Subsequent incidents involving misfires, accidents, and the handling of surplus systems prompted oversight from export control regimes and parliamentary committees in nations including France and procurement reviews in states such as Greece and Chile.

Category:Anti-ship missiles