On Monday, April 14, 2025, Greece signed a new defense contract with France for the procurement of 16 Exocet MM40 Block 3C anti-ship missiles. The agreement was officially signed in Athens by Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and his French counterpart, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. The signing took place during an official visit by the French delegation, highlighting the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.
This new acquisition is part of Greece’s ongoing and comprehensive defense modernization initiative, a €25 billion investment plan set to run through 2036. The program aims to enhance the operational readiness and deterrence capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces through the integration of advanced weapon systems, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence technologies. The purchase of the Exocet missiles adds to a series of recent defense procurements from France, including 24 Dassault Rafale fighter jets and three Belharra-class (FDI) frigates, with negotiations underway for a possible fourth frigate and additional cruise missile capabilities.
The Exocet MM40 Block 3C represents the latest evolution in MBDA’s renowned Exocet anti-ship missile family. The Block 3C variant features significant improvements in range, guidance, and target discrimination. With a strike range exceeding 200 kilometers, the missile is powered by a solid-propellant booster and a turbojet sustainer engine, enabling over-the-horizon engagements against surface threats. One of its key attributes is the advanced GPS-INS navigation system combined with an enhanced active radar seeker, which increases resistance to countermeasures and ensures high accuracy even in complex electronic warfare environments.