The crux of the future is centered around artificial intelligence. However, before integrating any form of technology, deterrence is mainly done with weapons. And this is how manufacturers specializing in this sector continue to innovate in this direction. As evidenced by MBDA, during the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, which presented its future anti-ship missile: the SM-40.
A so-called “change of environment” missile
There is not much scholarly in this name. Indeed, it is rather simple to understand when you know that it is launched by a submarine to target a surface ship.
Thus, the change of environment which makes it possible to describe the SM-40 missile is that which concerns the journey it makes between the submarine and the targeted ship. In other words, the missile is first underwater then comes out and is therefore in the air, so it changes environment.
A weapon that takes place in “ a complex electronic warfare environment ”
As the YouTube video and the press release from MBDA, the European leader in missile design, suggest, the SM40 is a missile packed with technology.
With a very long range allowing it to hit targets at sea, but also on land, it is manufactured to be a support and defense weapon more than an attack weapon. This ability to be as useful in combat at sea and on land is mainly given to it thanks to its range of at least 120 kilometers as reported Opex360.
Even more, we learned from the missile manufacturer that the SM40 would be capable of “discriminating targets”. In other words, it is capable of recognizing potential threats facing allied buildings for example.
This is enabled by the implementation of algorithms as well as the installation of a seeker. Thus, as MBDA describes it in its press release, the SM40 is the defense missile of the future which, due to its ability to recognize targets, as shown in the video below, has its place “in a complex and very demanding electronic warfare environment.”
Finally, according to the manufacturer, the SM40 is a missile which is an improved version of another MBDA device. “Building on a successful spiral evolution, the Exocet SM40 integrates the latest technologies developed for the Exocet MM40 B3C [ndr, la version du SM40 qui est faite pour être équipé sur les navires]”.
Not yet available
Although it displays impressive features that will be important in tomorrow's war, MBDA's SM40 missile is not a product available for sale to armies, and especially not just any armies.
Indeed, according to the information reported by Defense News which take up comments from Pierre-Marie Belleau, responsible for the commercial development of long-range attack missiles at MBDA, the SM40 will be a missile which cannot only be equipped on submarines designed by Naval Group.
As the French submarine fleet comes from this company's factories, it is very likely that the French Navy will be one of the main beneficiaries of this new war technology.
Source : Opex360 / Defense News /MBDA
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
