Posted on 12/23/2010 10:55:25 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
France qualifies new Exocet missile
Published: Dec. 23, 2010 at 12:15 PM
PARIS, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- MBDA's Block 3 version of the MM40 Exocet anti-ship missile has been given its operational qualification by the French Defense Ministry's armaments agency.
The Direction generale de l'armement, or DGA, said approval was given Dec. 6 and the first four missiles were formally accepted Dec. 16 by DGA's quality control department.
An initial batch of 45 missiles, ordered in 2008 from prime contractor MBDA, will be delivered to the French navy between the end of this year and mid-2013.
The original version of the Exocet first entered service in 1972. Since then, more than 3,500 missiles in various configurations have been sold.
The Block 3 version maintains the MM40's operational capabilities by doubling its extended range to as far as 111 miles and giving it the capability to engage targets located in littoral zones.
This missile will initially equip France's two new Horizon-class, air-defense frigates and subsequently all first-line frigates.
MBDA is a multinational group with three major shareholders: BAE Systems, EADS and Finmeccanica.
Wonderful. Just in time for Strike against the Malvinas Part II.
Maybe they can try it out on that new Chinese aircraft carrier.
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