The Exocet Missile: Naval Warfare Transformed

Overview of the Exocet missile, detailing its historical development rooted in France's pursuit of strategic autonomy, and its technological innovations, particularly its sea-skimming and fire-and-forget capabilities. It thoroughly examines the Exocet's diverse variants across air, sea, and submarine platforms, highlighting their continuous evolution to enhance range, precision, and electronic warfare resistance. The document also recounts the missile's pivotal operational history in conflicts like the Falklands War and the Iran-Iraq War, showcasing its profound impact on naval warfare tactics and ship defense systems. Finally, it addresses the strategic and ethical implications of the Exocet's global proliferation and the dilemmas posed by autonomous weaponry.