Greece has signed a significant new contract with France for the purchase of 16 modern Exocet MM40 Block 3C missiles, significantly strengthening the defensive and offensive capabilities of its Navy.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, within the framework of strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Exocet MM40 Block 3C represents the latest version of the French anti-ship missile and has entered service with the French Navy in 2023. This model brings major improvements compared to previous versions, such as in range, precision, operational flexibility and protection against electronic interference.
This weapon is considered a highly potent deterrent, especially in the sensitive area of the Greek archipelago and the Eastern Mediterranean, where regional tensions are often high.
Advanced technological capabilities
The Exocet MM40 Block 3C missile is equipped with an advanced "coherent" active radar guidance system, which makes it much more resistant to electronic countermeasures. It can distinguish real targets from decoys and target specific parts of the opposing ship, such as the bridge or radar systems, to cause maximum damage.
The missile is also capable of attacking ground targets near the coastline, including military bases, ports and strategic infrastructure, thanks to combined GPS and inertial guidance.
The missile is 5.6 meters long, weighs 740 kg with its warhead carrying 160 kg of explosives and reaches subsonic speeds (0.9 Mach), with a range of up to 200 km.
The missiles will be integrated into Greece's most modern frigates, the FDI HN "Belharra" class, but they can also be launched from corvettes, missile boats, coastal systems and even from Rafale aircraft in the AM39 version.
Thanks to its ability to fly at low altitudes of one to two meters above the sea, the missile avoids early detection by enemy radars, giving the target minimal time to react. Furthermore, the Exocet MM40 Block 3C has the ability to re-attack in case the first strike fails.
By purchasing these 16 modern missiles, Greece not only increases its defensive power, but also sends a clear signal to Turkey, as the arms race with Ankara continues despite the current calm. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
