AM39 Exocet

Also known as

Exocet AM39
AM39
AM-39 Exocet

The MBDA AM39 Exocet is a French air-launched anti-ship missile carried by strike aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters. MBDA describes the current Block 2 Mod 2 version as fully digitised and fire-and-forget, and says the system is in service with the French Navy and 11 foreign forces.

AM39 Exocet, Air-launched anti-ship missile, Munitions

Image source: Exocet AM39 P1220892

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: France
Built by: MBDA
Type: Air-launched anti-ship missile

air-launched anti-ship missile guided missile

Specifications

Weight: 670 kg
Length: 4.69 m
Diameter: 350 mm
Range: Up to 70 km, depending on launch altitude and speed
Guidance: Fire-and-forget active radar homing
Launch platforms: Strike aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters

Carrier Aircraft

MBDA describes AM39 Exocet as an air-launched missile carried by strike aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

Dassault Rafale, Twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Dassault Rafale

Multirole fighter

MBDA says the Hellenic Air Force's new Rafales will be armed with AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles.

Sources: MBDA to arm Hellenic Air Force's new Rafale fighter jets

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In service with the French Navy and 11 foreign forces.

Media

AM39 Exocet Images

AM39 Exocet, Air-launched anti-ship missile, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Atlantique2Photo tir AM39 2

AM39 Exocet, Air-launched anti-ship missile, Munitions - view 2 — Source: Super Étendard + Exocet

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Sources

EXOCET AM39Publisher: MBDA | Note: Supports AM39 Exocet manufacturer background, service context, and published specifications. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 EXOCET FamilyPublisher: MBDA | Note: Supports Exocet family background and French Navy origin context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 MBDA to arm Hellenic Air Force's new Rafale fighter jetsPublisher: MBDA | Note: Supports the Hellenic Air Force Rafale armament context that documents AM39 Exocet carried by the aircraft. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Exocet AM39 P1220892Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance for an AM39 Exocet missile under a Rafale. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Atlantique2Photo tir AM39 2Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance for an AM39 Exocet launch from an Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Super Étendard + ExocetPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance for a Super Étendard carrying Exocet ammunition. | Accessed: 2026-06-27