New Missile Could Put Enemy Warships In The Crosshairs From Hundreds Of Miles Away

France and Britain are developing a powerful new supersonic missile designed to strike enemy warships and military targets from distances far beyond the reach of existing anti-ship weapons.

European defense manufacturer MBDA says its Stratus RS missile will dramatically exceed the range of the Exocet anti-ship missile, which can travel more than 124 miles. The new weapon could significantly expand Europe’s long-range strike capabilities, although its precise range remains undisclosed, according to Defense News.

The missile’s range will extend “far, far, far” beyond the Exocet’s capabilities, the company’s deputy director for sales and business development, Olivier Gauffin, said Tuesday at the Euronaval defense exhibition in Paris, Defense News reported.

MBDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Exocet MM40 Block 3 can launch from naval vessels and coastal batteries, employing low-altitude flight to evade enemy defenses, according to MBDA.

Unlike traditional anti-ship missiles, the Stratus RS is intended to perform multiple missions, including destroying enemy warships, striking targets deep inside hostile territory and suppressing sophisticated air defense systems, according to MBDA.

The missile could also threaten high-value military aircraft, including airborne early-warning platforms and aerial refueling tankers, according to the company’s technical overview.

The weapon will employ a throttleable liquid-fueled ramjet engine, allowing it to maintain supersonic speeds while maneuvering against enemy defenses. Its flight profile will permit both high-altitude and low-altitude attacks, potentially complicating interception efforts, Defense News reported, citing Gauffin.

The missile will also incorporate radio-frequency guidance and synthetic aperture radar technology, allowing it to attack targets on land and strike enemy vessels from above. French defense electronics manufacturer Thales is supplying the targeting technology, according to Defense News.