AM-39 EXOCET AShM

Note: The AM-39 Exocet AShM may not be in active service with the Indian Air Force, however it is likely that a small number might have been purchased as a test batch.

A close-up of an AM-39 Exocet AShM.

The AM-39 is the air-to-surface variant of the Exocet family of anti-ship missiles. It is a sea-skimmer of the fire-and-forget type. It can also be launched from strike aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft and even medium-heavy helicopters throughout their speed and altitude envelopes. With a range of 50 - 70 km, depending on the altitude and speed of the host aircraft, the AM-39 enables the aircraft to stay out of range of anti-aircraft weapons of surface vessels attacked. The missile is combat proven and when not mounted on an aircraft, the missile is stored in a pressurized logistic container. It has two solid-propellant rockets; booster & sustainer, for its propulsion and has aerodynamic control surfaces for steering. It's guidance is of the fire-and-forget type and has inertial navigation during cruise phase and active-homing during terminal phase. The missile has a maximum speed of Mach 0.93.

A pair of AM-39 Exocets mounted on a Mirage 2000.

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