Indonesian Navy Makes History with Exocet Block III Anti-Ship Missile Strike on Land Target
The Exocet MM40 Block III missile was launched by the Indonesia Navy frigate KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata from a distance of 66.6 km, targeting an uninhabited island named Pulau Gundul in the Karimun Jawa Archipelago, located in the Java Sea.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – In a historic moment, the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL) successfully launched the MBDA Exocet MM40 Block III anti-ship missile against a land target during an exercise on December 10.
This marked the sixth Exocet missile launch by TNI-AL within the past two years.
The Exocet MM40 Block III missile was fired from the frigate KRI Raden Eddy Martadinata at a distance of 66.6 km from its target on an uninhabited island named Pulau Gundul, located in the Karimun Jawa archipelago in the Java Sea.
The missile successfully hit its land-based target on Pulau Gundul with precision.
In addition to the Exocet MM40 Block III missile, TNI-AL also fired RM-70 Grad Marine rockets from the deck of the warship KRI Teluk Amboina.
According to a statement from TNI-AL, the Exocet missile launch was conducted under the directive of the Navy Chief of Staff to test the overall capability and performance of its missile systems.
The missile launch was part of the Joint Sea Operations Exercise II (Latopslagab II) 2024, which involved approximately 2,000 personnel, 12 warships, aircraft, helicopters, and reconnaissance drones.
The Exocet MM40 Block III variant has a range of up to 200 km and is capable of being launched in all weather conditions, with a high hit probability thanks to its advanced active RF seeker and high subsonic speed.
The missile also has the capability to strike moving targets and offers exceptional flexibility for operations in complex warfare scenarios.
Its navigation and propulsion systems allow for 3D programming, optimizing its trajectory for maximum effectiveness.
The latest Exocet MM40 Block III variant is already in service with several navies worldwide, including Indonesia.
Weighing 780 kg, the missile is compatible with most logistical support assets currently in service.
Its launching system is interoperable with all Exocet MM40 versions, ensuring a seamless transition to the Block III variant.
EXOCET MM40 BLOCK III provides a very long range capability, even in adverse weather conditions:
+ 200 km class operational range at very low altitude against all classes of warship.
+ All-weather capability (an active RF homing head is a must to achieve this.
+ High hit probability even against moving targets. • Littoral and coastal land attack capabilities.
+ Outstanding penetration capability against enemy air defences.
+ High flexibility to cope with complex attack scenarios.
A new navigation and propulsion package on EXOCET MM40 BLOCK III allows for the programming of 3D way-points, optimised trajectories and simultaneous terminal attacks of multiple missiles.
EXOCET MM40 BLOCK III is compatible with most of the EXOCET logistics support assets already in service.
Its launching system is interoperable with all MM40 versions, thus enabling a smooth transition to BLOCK III. The MM40 BLOCK III shipset is versatile enough for installation on a wide range of naval platforms. — DSA
