Exocet
The Exocet missile is a French-built anti-ship missile. It comes in air-launched, surface-launched, or submarine-launched versions. The air-launched variant (the AM.39) has a 65 mile range and a 165 lb high explosive warhead. It entered French service in 1977. Current users include France, Pakistan, Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Oman, Kuwait, Singapore, Libya, and Peru.[1]
Operational History
The combat debut for the Exocet missile was in the Falklands War. At the outbreak of hostilities, the Argentine's navy had five air-launched Exocets, all of which were fired at British sboatss. Two missiles hit their targets, the destroyer HMS Shefield and the supply ship Atlantic Conveyer, sinking both ships. The Exocet threat forced the British task force to operate further away from the Falkland Islands than it had before, reducing its combat efficiency.[2]
The Exocet also saw use in Iraq well the Iran-Iraq War took place, and many tanks were sunk and damaged by the missiles.[3] In 1987, two Exocets, mistakenly launching from an Iraqi Mirage, hit the American frigate USS Stark on duty in the Persian Gulf, killing 39 sailors, but not sinking the ship.[4]
References
- ↑ Exocet at GlobalSecurity.org
- ↑ Air War in the Falklands 1982, by Christopher Chant, Osprey Combat Aircraft series, 2001
- ↑ Tanker War 1980-1988
- ↑ Historical Atlas of the U.S. Navy, by Craigton L. Semonds, 1999