View source for Exocet

{{Short description|French anti-ship missile}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
|is_missile      = yes
|name            = Exocet
|image           = File:Exocet AM39 P1220892.jpg
|image_size      = 300
|caption         = AM39 under a [[Dassault Rafale]]
|origin          = France
|type            = [[Anti-ship missile]]
|used_by         = [[#Operators|See ''operators'']]
|wars            = [[Iran–Iraq War]] <br/> [[Falklands War]]
|designer        = 1967–1970: [[Nord Aviation]]<br/>1970–1974: [[Aérospatiale]]
|manufacturer    = 1979–1999: [[Aérospatiale]]<br/>1999–2001: [[Aérospatiale-Matra]]<br/>2001–present: [[MBDA|MBDA France]]
|unit_cost       = 
|propellant      = 
|design_date     = 1967
|production_date = 1974
|service         = 1975<ref name="missilethreat.csis.org">{{Cite web|url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/exocet/|title = Exocet |date=2 August 2021 |work= Missile Threat |publisher= Center for Strategic and International Studies  }}</ref>–present
|engine          = [[Solid propellant]] engine<br/>Turbojet (MM40 Block 3 version)
|engine_power    = 
|weight          = {{convert|780|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|length          = {{convert|6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height          = 
|diameter        = {{convert|34.8|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|wingspan        = {{convert|1.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|speed           = [[Mach number|Mach]] 0.93<br />{{convert|1148|km/h|mph kn|abbr=on}}
|vehicle_range   = *MM38 surface-launched: around {{convert|40|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}
* AM39 air-launched: maximum range around {{convert|70|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}<ref>maximum range depends on the altitude and speed of the aircraft</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/exocet-am-39/|title = Exocet AM39 |publisher=MBDA Systems}}</ref>
* SM39 submarine-launched: {{convert|50|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}}<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/exocet-sm-39/|title = Exocet SM39 |publisher=MBDA Systems}}</ref>
* MM40 Block 3 surface-launched, Exocet Mobile Coastal: "{{convert|200|km|mi nmi|abbr=on}} class"<ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/exocet-mm40-block3/|title = Exocet MM40 Block 3 |publisher=MBDA Systems}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/exocet-mobile-coastal-defence-system/|title = Exocet Mobile Coastal &#124; Maritime Superiority |publisher=MBDA Systems}}</ref>
|ceiling         = 
|altitude        = [[Sea-skimming]]
|filling         = {{convert|165|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
|guidance        = [[Inertial guidance]], [[active radar homing]], and [[GPS]] guidance
|detonation      = 
|launch_platform = multi-platform:
* MM38 surface-launched
* AM39 air-launched
* SM39 submarine-launched
* MM40 surface-launched
}}

The '''Exocet''' ({{IPA|fr|ɛɡzɔsɛt}}) is a French-built [[anti-ship missile]] whose various versions can be launched from [[Warship|surface vessels]], [[Submarine|submarines]], [[Helicopter|helicopters]] and [[fixed-wing aircraft]].

==Etymology==
[[File:Exocet-mil.jpg|thumb|right|Exocet missile launch]]

The missile's name was given by M. Guillot, then the technical director at [[Nord Aviation]].<ref name="Guillot">{{cite book |title=L'extraordinaire aventure de l'Exocet |last1=Guillot |first1=Jean |last2=Estival |first2=Bernard |year=1988 |location=[[Brest, France|Brest]] |publisher=Les éditions de la Cité |language=fr |isbn=2-85186-039-9 |quote=<!-- The missile's name was given by M. Guillot, then technical director at Nord Aviation, after the French name for flying fish.-->}}</ref> It is the French word for [[flying fish]], from the [[Latin]] ''exocoetus'',<ref name=DH/> ([[Pliny the Elder]] [[Naturalis Historia]], Book 9, Chapter 26) "fish that sleeps on the shore" <ref>{{cite book|url=https://lsj.gr/wiki/exocoetus|title=exocoetus|publisher=[[LSJ]]}}</ref> a transliteration of the [[Greek language|Greek]] {{lang|grc|ἐξώκοιτος}} <ref name=DH/> (via [[Hesychius of Alexandria]]) "out sleeping", <ref>{{cite book|url=https://lsj.gr/wiki/%E1%BC%90%CE%BE%CF%8E%CE%BA%CE%BF%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82|title=ἐξώκοιτος|publisher=[[LSJ]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://lsj.gr/wiki/%CE%BA%CE%BF%E1%BF%96%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%82|title=κοῖτος |publisher=[[LSJ]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://lsj.gr/wiki/%E1%BC%94%CE%BE%CF%89|title=ἔξω|publisher=[[LSJ]]}}</ref> literally "out bed".<ref name=DH>{{cite web|author=[[Douglas Harper]]|title=Exocet (n.)|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/Exocet|website=[[etymonline]]|quote=exō- "outer, outside, outer part" + koitos "bed."}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095804652|title=Exocet|publisher=[[Oxford Reference]]|quote=literally ‘out of bed’}}</ref>

==Description==
[[File:Exocet impact.jpg|thumb|Exocet impact]]
The Exocet is built by [[MBDA]], a European missile company. Development began in 1967 by Nord as a ship-launched weapon named the MM38. A few years later, [[Aérospatiale|Aerospatiale]] and Nord merged. The basic body design was based on the [[AS-30|Nord AS-30]] air-to-ground tactical missile. The sea-launched MM38 entered service in 1975,<ref name="missilethreat.csis.org"/> whilst the air-launched AM39 Exocet began development in 1974 and entered service with the [[French Navy]] five years later in 1979.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/exocet.htm |title=Exocet AM.39 / MM.40 |date=10 August 1999 |publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]] |access-date=9 December 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115001857/https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/row/exocet.htm |archive-date=15 January 2016}}</ref>

The relatively compact [[sea skimming]] missile is designed for attacking small- to medium-size [[warship]]s (e.g., [[Frigate|frigates]], [[Corvette|corvettes]], and [[Destroyer|destroyers]]), although multiple hits are effective against larger vessels, such as aircraft carriers.<ref>{{cite book |last=Friedman |first=Norman |author-link=Norman Friedman |title=The Naval Guide to World Weapons Systems |date=1994 |edition=Updated |location=Annapolis |publisher=Naval Institute Press |page=109 |isbn=978-1-55750-259-9}} In a recent study by the Russians on the effects of missile boat anti-ship missiles it took three hits to destroy a light cruiser and one to two hits for a destroyer or frigate. Russian missile boat anti-ship missiles have far larger warheads than the Exocet.</ref> It is guided [[inertial guidance|inertially]] in mid-flight and turns on [[active radar homing]] late in its flight to find and hit its target. As a countermeasure against air defence around the target, it maintains a very low altitude while inbound, staying just one to two meters above the sea surface. Due to the effect of the [[radar horizon]], this means that the target may not detect an incoming attack until the missile is only {{Convert|6,000|m|mi}}  from impact. This leaves little time for reaction and stimulated the design of [[close-in weapon system]]s (CIWS).{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Its solid propellant [[Solid rocket|rocket]] motor gives the Exocet a maximum range of {{convert|70|km|mi nmi}}. It was replaced on the Block 3 MM40 ship-launched version of the missile with a solid-propellant [[Booster (rocketry)|booster]] and a turbojet [[sustainer engine]] which extends the range of the missile to more than {{convert|180|km|mi nmi}}. The submarine-launched version places the missile inside a [[launch capsule]].<ref name="auto"/>

{{as of|2017|alt=In 2017}} the UK and France began work the [[Stratus (missile family)]] as a replacement to Exocet.<ref name="fb">{{Cite web |last= Smaldore |first=Yannick |date=July 31, 2019 |title= Will the French-British FC/ASW Missile Program Survive a Hard Brexit ? |url= https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/07/will-the-french-british-fc-asw-missile-program-survive-a-hard-brexit/}}</ref>


===Versions===
[[File:ExocetNerz.jpg|thumb|MM38 onboard [[German Navy]] Type 143A {{sclass|Gepard|fast attack craft|1}} ''Nerz'' ]]
 
The Exocet has been manufactured in versions including:
* MM38 (surface-launched) – deployed on warships. Range: 42&nbsp;km. No longer produced. A coast defence version known as "Excalibur" was developed in the United Kingdom and deployed in [[Gibraltar]] from 1985 to 1997.<ref>{{cite book |last=Friedman |first=Norman |title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997–1998 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l-DzknmTgDUC&pg=PA227|year=1997|publisher=Naval Institute Press|isbn=978-1-55750-268-1|page=227}}</ref>
* AM38 (helicopter-launched – tested only)<ref>Based on the ship launched MM38. Only five tested in 1973 from a Super-Felon helicopter, further development then abandoned for the lighter and smaller AM39. – {{Cite book |editor-first=Ronald T. |editor-last=Pretty |title=Jane's Weapon Systems 1976 |year=1975 |edition=7th |location=London, UK |publisher=MacDonald and Jane's |page=133 |isbn=978-0-35400-527-2}}</ref>
* AM39 (air-launched) – B2 Mod 2: deployed on 14 types of aircraft (combat jets, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters). Range between 50 and 70&nbsp;km, depending on the altitude and the speed of the launch aircraft.<ref name="auto2"/>
* SM39 (submarine-launched) – B2 Mod 2: deployed on submarines. The missile is housed inside a watertight launched capsule (''véhicule Sous marin,'' VSM), which is fired from the submarine's torpedo tubes. On leaving the water, the capsule is ejected and the missile's motor is ignited. It then behaves like an MM40. The missile will be fired at depth, which makes it particularly suitable for discreet submarine operations.<ref name="auto"/>
* MM40 (surface-launched) – Block 1, Block 2 and Block 3: deployed on warships and in coastal batteries. Range: 72&nbsp;km for the Block 2, in excess of 200&nbsp;km for the Block 3.<ref name="auto3"/><ref name="auto1"/>
* SM40 (submarine-launched), deployed on submarines, is the successor of the EXOCET SM39.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/euronaval-4-7-november-2024/ | title=Euronaval 4 - 7 November 2024 &#124; Mbda | work=MBDA }}</ref>

===MM40 Block 3===
In February 2004, the [[Direction générale de l'armement|Direction Générale pour l'Armement]] (DGA) notified MBDA of a contract for the design and production of a new missile, the MM40 Block 3. It has an improved range, in excess of {{convert|180|km|nmi|abbr=off}}{{snd}}through the use of a [[Microturbo TRI-40]] [[turbojet]] engine, and includes four air intakes to provide continuous airflow to the power plant during high-G manoeuvres.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

The Block 3 missile accepts [[satellite guidance|GPS guidance]] system waypoint commands, which allow it to attack naval targets from different angles and to strike land targets, giving it a marginal role as a [[land-attack missile]]. The Block 3 Exocet is lighter than the previous MM40 Block 2 Exocet.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://fas.org/spp/aircraft/part05.htm |chapter=Cruise Missiles: The Other Air Breathing Threat |title=Attack Aircraft Proliferation: Issues For Concern |first1=Christopher |last1=Bolkcom |first2=John |last2=Pike |date=1 April 1993 |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |access-date=10 February 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310064943/https://fas.org/spp/aircraft/part05.htm |archive-date=10 March 2016}}</ref>

45 Block 3 Exocets were ordered by the French Navy in December 2008 for its ships which were carrying Block 2 missiles, namely [[Horizon-class frigate|''Horizon''-class]] and [[FREMM multipurpose frigate|''Aquitaine''-class]] frigates. From 2021, the Block 3 upgrade was also being extended to three of the [[La Fayette-class frigate]]s selected for life extension refits.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/october/9094-naval-group-starts-renovation-and-upgrade-of-french-navy-courbet-la-fayette-class-frigate.html |title=Naval Group starts renovation and upgrade of French Navy Courbet La Fayette-class frigate |date=October 2020 |work=Navy Recognition |access-date=22 June 2021}}</ref> These are not to be new productions but the conversion of older Block 2 missiles to the Block 3 standard. An MM40 Block 3 last qualification firing took place on the [[Île du Levant]] test range on 25 April 2007 and series manufacturing began in October 2008. The first firing of the Block 3 from a warship took place on 18 March 2010, from the French Navy air defence frigate {{ship|French frigate|Chevalier Paul||2}}. In 2012, a new motor, designed and manufactured in Brazil by the Avibras company in collaboration with MBDA, was tested on an MM40 missile of the [[Brazilian Navy]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Besides the French, the Block 3 has been ordered by several other navies including that of Greece, the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], Chile,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/64168/chile-begins-mm40-block-3-exocet-retrofits |title=Chile begins MM40 Block 3 Exocet retrofits |first=Richard |last=Scott |date=28 September 2016 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=14 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116162120/http://www.janes.com/article/64168/chile-begins-mm40-block-3-exocet-retrofits |archive-date=16 January 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Peru,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://base.mforos.com/862753/3281064-noticias-de-la-marina-del-peru/?pag=2 |title=Perú aprueba 41 millones de dólares para Defensa y se hará finalmente con misiles MM-40 Exocet |date=20 December 2010 |website=Foro Base Naval |language=es |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209165216/https://base.mforos.com/862753/3281064-noticias-de-la-marina-del-peru/?pag=2 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Qatar, Oman, Indonesia and Morocco.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=112698 |title=Premier tir de missile Exocet MM40 Block3 par la marine française |date=19 March 2010 |website=Mer et Marine |language=fr |access-date=9 December 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322192311/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=112698 |archive-date=22 March 2010}}</ref>

The chief competitors to the Exocet are the US-made [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]], the Turkish [[Atmaca]], the Italian [[Otomat]], Israel [[Gabriel (missile)|Gabriel-V]],  the Swedish [[RBS 15]] and the Chinese [[C-802|Yingji]] series.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

===MM40 Block 3c===

The “Block 3c” variant integrates a digital Radio Frequency (RF) seeker to the missile that has been developed by Thales. The Block 3c variant is described as more resistant to jamming systems and may be able to recognize surface vessels, based on the use of advanced wave forms. Block 3 missiles introduced a longer 200 kilometer range but retained the same RF seeker as Block 2. This technology remained non-digital.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/euronaval-2022/2022/10/first-exocet-mm40-block-3c-missiles-set-for-december-delivery/|title=First Exocet MM40 Block 3c Missiles set for December Delivery|first=Xavier|last=Vavasseur|date=17 October 2022}}</ref>

The Block 3c variant is to begin delivery to the French Navy in December 2022 with 55 new missiles ordered in addition to 45 “MM40 Block 3c kits” to update existing Block 3 missiles to the Block 3c configuration.<ref name="auto4"/> In September 2023, tests of the missile conducted by the [[French frigate Alsace|frigate ''Alsace'']] confirmed the variant as ready for operational service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/defense/mbda-le-missile-antinavire-exocet-mm40-block3c-bon-pour-le-service |title =MBDA : le missile antinavire Exocet MM40 Block3c bon pour le service  |website= Mer et Marine |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |date = 29 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/09/successful-firing-of-new-exocet-missile-from-french-frigate/ |title=Successful Firing Of New Exocet Missile From French Frigate |website=Naval News |date=28 September 2023}}</ref>

On 15 April 2025, Greece signed a contract in Athens for the procurement of 16 Exocet MM40 Block 3c variant missiles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/04/greece-orders-exocet-mm40-block-3c-anti-ship-missiles/ |title=Greece Orders Exocet MM40 Block 3C Anti-Ship Missiles |website=Naval News |date=15 April 2025}}</ref>

==Operational history==
===Falklands War===
[[File:Super Etendard ARA 204.jpg|thumb|''Sue 204'' ([[Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]]) of Argentina's [[2da Escuadrilla Aeronaval de Caza y Ataque|2nd Navy Squadron]], used in the ''Atlantic Conveyor'' attack]]

In 1982, during the [[Falklands War]], [[Argentine Navy]] [[Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]] warplanes carrying the AM39 air-launched version of the Exocet caused damage which sank the [[Royal Navy]] destroyer {{HMS|Sheffield|D80|6}} on 4 May 1982. Two more Exocets struck the 15,000-ton merchant ship {{ship||Atlantic Conveyor}} on 25 May. Two MM38 ship-to-ship missiles were removed from the [[destroyer]] [[USS Hank (DD-702)|ARA ''Seguí'']], a former [[United States Navy|US Navy]] {{sclass|Allen M. Sumner|destroyer|0}} destroyer, and transferred to an improvised launcher for land use.<ref>{{cite book |last=Scheina |first=Robert L. |title=Latin America's Wars Volume II: The Age of the Professional Soldier, 1900–2001 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1RGRWilHbtQC&pg=PA316 |date=2003 |publisher=Potomac Books Inc. |isbn=978-1-57488-452-4 |page=316}}</ref> The missiles were launched on 12 June 1982 and one hit the destroyer {{HMS|Glamorgan|D19|6}}.

====HMS ''Sheffield''====
''[[HMS Sheffield (D80)|Sheffield]]'' was a [[Type 42 destroyer|Type 42]] [[guided missile destroyer]].  On 4 May 1982, Sheffield was at defence watches (second-degree readiness) the southernmost of three Type 42 destroyers when she was hit by one of two AM39 air-launched Exocet missiles fired by Argentine Super Étendard [[strike fighter]]s. The second missile splashed into the sea about half-mile off her [[beam (nautical)|port beam]].<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/D5E979F4-CD1D-4626-86B5-F432355861EA/0/phase2_part2_narrative_of_attach.pdf |title=Sheffield Board Of Inquiry: Narrative of the attack |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212000955/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/D5E979F4-CD1D-4626-86B5-F432355861EA/0/phase2_part2_narrative_of_attach.pdf |archive-date=12 December 2007 |date= 22 July 1982 |page= 6}}</ref>

The missile that struck ''Sheffield'' impacted on the starboard side at deck level 2, travelling through the junior ratings' scullery and breaching the Forward Auxiliary Machinery Room/Forward Engine Room bulkhead {{convert|2.4|m|ftin}} above the waterline, creating a hole in the hull roughly {{convert|1.2|by|3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}. It appears that the warhead did not explode.<ref>{{cite report |date=28 May 1982 |title=Loss of HMS Sheffield – Board of Inquiry |url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/9D8947AC-D8DC-4BE7-8DCC-C9C623539BCF/0/boi_hms_sheffield.pdf |publisher=[[Commander-in-Chief Fleet]] |location=[[Northwood Headquarters|Northwood]] |page=2 |access-date=9 December 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206212020/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/9D8947AC-D8DC-4BE7-8DCC-C9C623539BCF/0/boi_hms_sheffield.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2012}}</ref> Twenty members of her crew were killed and 26 injured. The ship foundered while under tow on 10 May. The loss of ''Sheffield'' was a deep shock to the British public and government.

The official Royal Navy Board of Inquiry Report stated that evidence indicates that the warhead did not detonate. During the four and a half days that the ship remained afloat, five salvage inspections were made and a number of photographs were taken. Members of the crew were interviewed and testimony was given by Exocet specialists (the Royal Navy had 15 surface combat ships armed with Exocets in the Falklands War). There was no evidence of an explosion, although burning propellant from the rocket motor caused fires which could not be checked as firefighting equipment had been put out of action.

==== SS ''Atlantic Conveyor'' ====
''Atlantic Conveyor'' was a 14,950 ton [[roll-on/roll-off]] [[container ship]] that had been hastily converted to carry aircraft on her deck. She was carrying helicopters and supplies, including cluster bombs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/the-atlantic-conveyor/|title=The Atlantic Conveyor |publisher= Think Defence|date=20 March 2016|website=www.thinkdefence.co.uk}}</ref> Two Exocet missiles had been fired at a frigate, but had been confused by its defences and re-targeted the ''Atlantic Conveyor''. Both missiles struck the container ship on her port quarter and warheads exploded either after penetrating the ship's hull,<ref>{{cite book
  | last = Chant
  | first = Christopher
  | title = Air War in the Falklands 1982
  | publisher = Osprey Publishing
  | year = 2001
  | location = Oxford
  | page = 55
  | isbn = 978-1-84176-293-7}}
</ref> or on impact.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EC14467A-DFAF-4030-BDFB-9E1AAF00205E/0/boi_atlanticconveyorpt1.pdf |title=Board of Enquiry (Report) Loss of SS Atlantic Conveyor |access-date=2012-11-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012134301/http://www.mod.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EC14467A-DFAF-4030-BDFB-9E1AAF00205E/0/boi_atlanticconveyorpt1.pdf |archive-date=12 October 2012}}</ref> Witness [[Prince Andrew]] reported that debris caused "splashes in the water about a quarter of a mile away".<ref name="gh19831112">{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=NPs9AAAAIBAJ&pg=4110,2766700|title=Prince Andrew talks of Falklands horror|work=Glasgow Herald|date=14 November 1983|page=2}}</ref> Twelve men were killed and the survivors were taken to HMS ''Hermes''. ''Atlantic Conveyor'' sank while under tow three days later. 

==== HMS ''Invincible'' ====
On 30 May, two Super Étendards, one carrying Argentina's last remaining air-launched Exocet, escorted by four [[Douglas A-4 Skyhawk|Douglas A-4C Skyhawks]], each with two 500 lb bombs, took off to attack the carrier [[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS ''Invincible'']].<ref name="FreedmanUK)2005">{{cite book|first= Sir Lawrence |last=Freedman |series=The Official History of the Falklands Campaign |title=Volume 2: War and diplomacy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BEjOdVzx9UcC|date=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-0-7146-5207-8|page=545 |via=Google Books}}</ref> Argentine intelligence had sought to determine the position of ''Invincible'' from analysis of aircraft flight routes from the task force to the islands.<ref name="FreedmanUK)2005"/>  However, the British had a standing order that all aircraft conduct a low level transit when leaving or returning to the ship to disguise her position.<ref name="Pook2008">{{cite book|author=Jerry Pook|title=RAF Harrier Ground Attack: Falklands |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xuskCwAAQBAJ|date= 2008|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-1-84884-556-5|page=132 |via=Google Books}}</ref>  This tactic compromised the Argentine attack, which focused on a group of escorts 40 miles south of the main body of ships.<ref name="Morgan2007">{{cite book|author=David Morgan|title=Hostile Skies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wDtxAAAACAAJ|year=2007|publisher=Phoenix|isbn=978-0-7538-2199-2|page=240 |via=Google Books}}</ref> Two of the attacking Skyhawks were shot down: one by a [[Sea Dart]] missile fired by [[HMS Exeter (D89)|HMS ''Exeter'']],<ref name="Morgan2007"/><ref name="FreedmanUK)2005"/> and while the fate of the Exocet has never been established beyond doubt, the crew of HMS ''Avenger'' claimed that their 4.5-inch gun had shot it down.<ref name="Southby-Tailyour2014">{{cite book|first=Ewen |last=Southby-Tailyour |title=Exocet Falklands: The Untold Story of Special Forces Operations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kY_PBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT238|date=2014|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-1-4738-3513-9|page=238 |via=Google Books}}</ref>  No damage was caused to any British vessels.<ref name="FreedmanUK)2005"/>

==== HMS ''Glamorgan'' ====
''[[HMS Glamorgan]]'' was a {{sclass2|County|destroyer|0}} destroyer launched in 1964.  On 12 June 1982 an MM38 Exocet missile was fired from an improvised shore-based launcher as she was steaming at about {{convert|20|kn|km/h|0}} {{convert|18|nmi|km|0}} offshore. The first attempt to fire a missile did not result in a launch; on the second attempt, a missile was launched but did not acquire the target. The third attempt resulted in a missile tracking ''Glamorgan''. The incoming Exocet missile was also spotted on ''Glamorgan''<ref name="InskipIan">{{cite book|last=Inskip |first=Ian |date=2002 |title=Ordeal by Exocet: HMS Glamorgan and the Falklands War, 1982 |publisher=Chatham |pages=160–185 |isbn=1-86176-197-X}}</ref> and a turn was ordered to present the stern to the missile.

The turn prevented the missile from striking the ship's side and penetrating the hull; instead, it hit the deck [[coaming]] at an angle, near the port [[Seacat (missile)|Seacat missile launcher]], skidded along the deck and exploded, making a {{convert|10|x|15|ft|0|abbr=on}} hole in the hangar deck and a {{convert|5|x|4|ft|abbr=on}} hole in the galley below.<ref name="InskipIan" /> The blast travelled forwards and down, and the missile body, still travelling forwards, penetrated the hangar door, causing the ship's fuelled and armed [[Westland Wessex|Westland Wessex HAS.3]] helicopter (XM837) to explode and start a severe fire in the hangar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukserials.com/losses-1982.htm|title=UK Military Aircraft Losses: 1982 losses|website=ukserials}}</ref> Fourteen crew members were killed.<ref>{{cite book |last=Inskip|first= Ian |title=Ordeal by Exocet: HMS Glamorgan and the Falklands War |year=2002|publisher=Chatham |isbn=186176197X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Royal Navy casualties, killed and died, 1980–89 |url=https://www.naval-history.net/xDKCas1980-89.htm |access-date=2021-02-13 |website=Naval History Homepage}}</ref>

==== Post–Falklands war ====
In the years after the Falklands War, it was revealed that the British government and the [[MI6|Secret Intelligence Service]] (MI6) had been extremely concerned at the time by the perceived inadequacy of the Royal Navy's anti-missile defences against the Exocet and the missile's potential to tip the naval war decisively in favour of the Argentine forces. A scenario was envisioned in which one or both of the force's two aircraft carriers ({{HMS|Invincible|R05|2}} and {{HMS|Hermes|R12|2}}) were destroyed or incapacitated by Exocet attacks, which would make recapturing the Falklands much more difficult.{{Citation needed|date=January 2021}}

Actions were taken to contain the Exocet threat. A major intelligence operation was initiated to prevent the Argentine Navy from acquiring more of the weapons on the international market.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.falklands.info/history/hist82article17.html |title=John Nott's Story |first=Harold |last=Briley |journal=Falkland Islands Newsletter |number=81 |date=May 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122064540/http://falklands.info/history/hist82article17.html |archive-date=22 November 2010|quote=<!-- A remarkable worldwide operation then ensured to prevent further Exocets being bought by Argentina. I authorised our agents to pose as bona fide purchasers of equipment on the international market, ensuring that we outbid the Argentineans. Other agents identified Exocet missiles in various markets and covertly rendered them inoperable, based on information from the French. -->}}</ref> The operation included British intelligence agents claiming to be arms dealers able to supply large numbers of Exocets to Argentina, who diverted Argentina from pursuing sources which could genuinely supply a few missiles. France denied deliveries of Exocet AM39s purchased by Peru to avoid the possibility that Peru might supply them to Argentina because they{{clarify|reason=unclear antecedent|date=October 2021}} knew that payment would be made with credit from the [[Central Reserve Bank of Peru|Central Bank of Peru]]. British intelligence had detected the guarantee was a deposit of two hundred million dollars from the Andean Lima Bank, an owned subsidiary of the Italian [[Banco Ambrosiano]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Freedman |first=Lawrence |author-link=Lawrence Freedman |title=The Official History of the Falklands Campaign: War and Diplomacy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PSsxmXWChqIC&pg=PA380 |date=2005 |publisher=[[Routledge]] |isbn=978-0-7146-5207-8 |page=380}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elpais/1-190366-2012-03-25.html |title=A las Malvinas en subte |date=25 March 2012 |newspaper=[[Página/12]] |language=es |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181115153830/https://www.pagina12.com.ar/diario/elpais/1-190366-2012-03-25.html |archive-date=15 November 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Iran–Iraq War===
{{See also|USS Stark (FFG-31)#Missile attack}}
[[File:USS Stark.jpg|thumb|right|''Stark'' listing after being hit]]

Exocet missiles were used by [[Iraq]] mainly as part of the [[Tanker War]], the [[Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon]], [[Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard]] and [[Dassault Mirage F1]] were aircraft used by Iraq to launch the missiles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://media.defense.gov/2017/Dec/29/2001861993/-1/-1/0/T_KUPERSMITH_THIRD_WORLD_AIR_POWER.PDF|title=Iraq and the war with iran}}</ref><ref>{{citation|first=Paul H.|last=Silverstone|title=Naval Intelligence|journal=Warship International|publisher=International Naval Research Organization|volume=21|number=4|date=1984|page=396|jstor=44891106}}</ref>

During the [[Iran–Iraq War]], on 17 May 1987, an [[Ba'athist Iraq|Iraqi]] aircraft identified as a Mirage F1<ref name="DoD_report">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dod.gov/pubs/foi/operation_and_plans/USS_Liberty_Pueblo_Stark/65rev.pdf|title=Formal Investigation into the Circumstances Surrounding the Attack of the USS Stark in 1987| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323222902/http://www.dod.gov/pubs/foi/operation_and_plans/USS_Liberty_Pueblo_Stark/65rev.pdf | archive-date=23 March 2012 }}</ref> (but was in fact a modified [[Dassault Falcon 50]]) fired two Exocet missiles at the American [[frigate]] {{USS|Stark|FFG-31|6}}.  Both missiles struck the [[port side]] of the ship near the bridge. No weapons were fired in defence: The [[Phalanx CIWS]] remained in standby mode and the [[Mark 36 SRBOC]] countermeasures were not armed. Thirty-seven United States Navy personnel were killed and twenty-one were wounded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/SavedNewsModule/Article/1850635/remembering-the-attack-on-the-uss-stark/|title=dead and wounded|access-date=23 March 2022|archive-date=2 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302052547/https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Media/News/SavedNewsModule/Article/1850635/remembering-the-attack-on-the-uss-stark/|url-status=dead}}</ref>  The ship did not sink, and was eventually repaired.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1987-11-04 |title=USS ''Stark'' Sails To Mississippi For Repairs |url=https://apnews.com/article/b94a67938b0cf68c2c186e72a387b060 |access-date=2022-06-09 |publisher=AP News}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Exocet operators.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Operators {{legend|#0b60d4|Current}}{{legend|#dc0023|Former}}]]
{{externalimage
|topic=Aerospatiale EXOCET
|width=
|float =right
|image1=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/EXOCETAM39launchedfromFrenchNavySup.jpg AM 39 Exocet launched from French Navy Super Etendard]
|image2=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/EXOCETDassaultAlphaJetLanciermulti-.jpg Alpha Jet ''Lancier'' multi-role with Exocet AM 39]
|image3=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/EXOCETExocetAM39launchedfromSuperPu.jpg AM 39 launched from Super Puma]
|image4=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/EXOCETMM40firedfromFrenchNavalvesse.jpg Exocet MM 40 fired from French vessel]
|image5=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/SM39-highdetail.jpg Test firing of SM 39 subsurface version of Exocet high resolution]
|image6=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/AerospatialeMediaRelationsPhoto.jpg Aerospatiale Media Relations Photo Sent Out Shortly After Falkland's War]
|image7=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/SEtendardExocetAM39.jpg Super Etendard taking off with test AM39 under wing. Note, electronic pod under fuselage and drop tank under other wing pylon.]
|image9=[http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b24/hybenamon/NAVAL/NAVAL%20WEAPONS/Missiles/EXOCET/Exocet-Block3.jpg First test launch of Exocet MM40 Block 3]
}}

===Current operators===
{{More citations needed section|date=October 2023}}
* {{ARG}}
** [[Argentine Navy]] – MM38, MM40 and AM39
* {{BRN}}
** [[Royal Brunei Navy]] – MM38, MM40
* {{BGR}}
** [[Bulgarian Navy]]
* {{BRA}}
** [[Brazilian Navy]] – MM38, MM40 Block 2 and AM39, SM-39
* {{CMR}}
** [[Military of Cameroon#Cameroonian Navy|Cameroon Navy]] – MM38, MM40 (on ''P-48S'' (''Bakassi'') craft)
* {{CHL}}
** [[Chilean Navy]] – AM39, MM40 block-2, MM40 block-3 and SM39 for the {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|1}}.
* {{COL}}
* {{CYP}}
** [[Cyprus Navy]] – MM40
* {{ECU}}: MM40
* {{EGY}}: AM39,<ref name="Trade Registers">{{cite web |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title=Trade Registers |website=[[SIPRI]] |access-date=26 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513073842/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |archive-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> MM38 & MM40
* {{FRA}}
** [[French Navy]] – MM38, MM40, AM39, SM39
* {{DEU}}
** [[German Navy]] – To be replaced with the RBS 15.
* {{GRC}}
**[[Hellenic Navy]] – MM38, MM40 Block 2/3/3c<ref>{{cite web | title=Δένδιας – Λεκορνί: Υπεγράφη η σύμβαση για 16 πυραύλους Exocet | website=Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ | date=2025-04-14 | url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/politics/563563270/dendias-lekorni-ypegrafi-i-symvasi-gia-16-pyrayloys-exocet/ | language=el | ref={{sfnref|Η ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ|2025}} | access-date=2025-04-15}}</ref>
**[[Hellenic Air Force]] – AM39 Block 2
* {{IDN}}
** [[Indonesian Navy]] – MM38, MM40 Block 2, MM40 Block 3
* {{IND}}
**[[Indian Navy]] (on {{sclass|Kalvari|submarine|1||2015}})
* {{KWT}}
* {{LBY}}
* {{MYS}}
** [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] – MM38, MM40 Block 2 and SM39 (on {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|1}}s)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Malaysian-Navys-1st-Scorpene-sub-test-fires-Exocet-missile/4639/1/10.html |title=Malaysian Navy's 1st 'Scorpene' sub test fires Exocet missile |date=4 August 2010 |website=Brahmand.com |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716150932/http://www.brahmand.com/news/Malaysian-Navys-1st-Scorpene-sub-test-fires-Exocet-missile/4639/1/10.html |archive-date=16 July 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* {{MAR}}
** [[Royal Moroccan Navy]] – MM38, MM40 Block 2/3
**[[Moroccan Air Force]] – AM39
* {{OMN}}
* {{PAK}}
**[[Pakistan Navy]] – SM39 on [[Agosta-class submarine|''Agosta'' 90B (''Khalid'')-class]] submarines
**[[Westland Sea King|Sea King]] helicopters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.keymilitary.com/article/pakistan-navy-sea-king-test-fires-exocet|title=Pakistan Navy Sea King test-fires Exocet|website=KeyMilitary|date=19 October 2017 }}</ref>
**[[Pakistan Air Force]] – on the [[Dassault Mirage 5|Mirage 5PA3]]<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|pages=150,157}}</ref>
* {{PER}}
** [[Peruvian Navy]] – MM38 on {{sclass2|PR-72P|corvette|1}}s, AM39 Block 2 on [[SH-3 Sea King|ASH-3D Sea Kings]] and Mirage 2000P, MM40 Block 3 on {{sclass|Lupo|frigate|1}}s
* {{QAT}}
* {{ZAF}}: [[South African Navy]] – MM40 Block 2 on {{sclass2|Valour|frigate|1}}s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=458&Itemid=363 |title=Fact file: Valour-class frigates |first=Leon |last=Engelbrecht |date=9 October 2008 |website=DefenceWeb |access-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320195937/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?id=458&itemid=363&option=com_content&task=view |archive-date=20 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The navy plans to upgrade to the Block 3 missile.<ref name=IISSexocet>{{cite book |title=The Military Balance |date=2013 |publisher=International Institute for Strategic Studies |isbn=978-1-85743-680-8 |page=531}}</ref>
* {{THA}}
** [[Royal Thai Navy]] – MM38
* {{TUN}}
** MM-40 Exocet for the La Combattante III-class fast attack craft<ref name="Trade Registers"/>
* {{TUR}}
**MM38<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dzkk.tsk.tr/turkce/birliktanitimi/RefakatveKarakolFilosuKomodorlugu.htm |title=Refakat Ve Karakol Fi̇losu Komutanliği |website=[[Turkish Naval Forces]] |language=tr |access-date=29 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323002211/http://www.dzkk.tsk.tr/turkce/birliktanitimi/RefakatveKarakolFilosuKomodorlugu.htm |archive-date=23 March 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/europe/turkey.htm |title=World Navies Today: Turkey |date=25 March 2002 |website=Hazegray.org |access-date=29 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219101455/http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/europe/turkey.htm |archive-date=19 December 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> (Replaced by [[Atmaca]])
* {{ARE}}
** [[UAE Navy]] MM40 Block 3 on {{sclass|Baynunah|corvette|1}}
* {{URY}}
** [[National Navy of Uruguay]] – MM38 on {{sclass|João Belo|frigate|1}}s

===Former operators===
* {{BEL}}
** [[Belgian Navy]] – Operated Exocet on its {{sclass|Wielingen|frigate|1}}s. These warships were all sold in 2008 to Bulgaria.
* {{GEO}}
** [[Georgian Navy]]
* {{flag|Iraq|1963}}
** [[Iraqi Air Force]] – Operated the Exocet on its [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1EQ]] and [[Dassault Super Étendard|Super Étendards]] during the [[Iran–Iraq War]].<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Sipos|2019|pages=46,48,58}}</ref>
** [[Iraqi Navy]] - used on [[Super Frelon]] helicopters during the war with Iran.<ref>{{harvnb|Cooper|Sipos|2019|page=41}}</ref>
* {{KOR}}
** [[Republic of Korea Navy]]
* {{GBR}}
** [[Royal Navy]] - Operated Exocet until the last MM38 armed surface vessel was decommissioned in 2002.
* {{VEN}}
** [[Venezuelan Air Force]] – Operated Exocet on its [[Dassault Mirage 50]]s.<ref>{{harvnb|Chenel|Liébert|Moreau|2014|page=280}}</ref>

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*{{lwc|AGM-158C LRASM}}
*{{lwc|Atmaca}}
*{{lwc|Gabriel (missile)|Blue Spear}}
*{{lwc|HAS-250}}
*{{lwc|Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon}}
*{{lwc|Kh-35}}
*{{lwc|MAN-1}}
*{{lwc|Naval Strike Missile}}
*{{lwc|NASM-MR}}
*{{lwc|R-360 Neptune}}
*{{lwc|Otomat}}
*{{lwc|Sea Eagle (missile)|Sea Eagle}}
*{{lwc|Sea Killer / Marte}}
*{{lwc|SSM-700K C-Star}}
* {{lwc|Type 80 air-to-ship missile}}
* {{lwc|Type 88 surface-to-ship missile}}
* {{lwc|Type 90 ship-to-ship missile}}
* {{lwc|Type 93 air-to-ship missile}}
*{{lwc|YJ-83}}
{{div col end}}

==References==
;Citations
{{Reflist}}
;Bibliography
* {{cite book |last1=Chenel |first1=Bernard |last2=Liébert |first2=Michel |last3=Moreau |first3=Eric |title=Mirage III/5/50 en service à l'étranger |date=2014 |publisher=Editions LELA Presse |location=Le Vigen, France |isbn=978-2-914017-76-3}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Sipos |first2=Milos |title=Iraqi Mirages. The Dassault Mirage Family in Service with the Iraqi Air Force, 1981–1988 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-912-390311}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
{{Wiktionary|Exocet}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130616194426/http://www.mbda-systems.com/products/maritime-superiority/exocet-mm-block-3/42-7 Manufacturer's Website] {{in lang|en|fr}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050418231840/http://www.netmarine.net/armes/exocet/photos.htm Gallery of photographs of various variants of the Exocet missile] {{in lang|fr}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090223051413/http://www.britains-smallwars.com/Falklands/Exocet.html Argentine Account of the role of the Exocet in the Falklands War] {{in lang|en}}
* [http://www.navybook.com/nohigherhonor/pic-stark.shtml Photos of Exocet damage to USS ''Stark''] {{in lang|en}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022229/http://defense-update.com/products/e/exocet-3.htm Testing of Exocet MM-40 Block 3] {{in lang|en}}
* [https://missilethreat.csis.org/missile/exocet CSIS ''Missile Threat'' | Exocet] {{in lang|en}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cold War anti-ship missiles of France]]
[[Category:Anti-ship missiles of France]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s]]