The report about France potentially supplying Exocet coastal missiles to Ukraine was circulated by a French publication, citing a defense department source. It was emphasized that Paris would not give the missiles away; a sale was being considered, with price details left unspecified.
The Exocet anti-ship missile, developed by Aerospatiale, has been in service since 1973. Its prominence peaked during the 1982 Falklands War, used by both sides in the conflict. The missile helped Iran and Iraq in naval skirmishes during the Iran-Iraq War, causing significant damage to ships on both sides. It continued to see action in 1987 when an Iraqi air strike targeted a U.S. frigate in the Persian Gulf, though this marked the last notable deployment of the system in major conflicts.
Analysts note that early Exocet models offered ranges of about 40 to 70 kilometers, while later versions extended to around 180 kilometers, albeit with a lighter warhead. The missile remains capable of disabling medium-sized ships, but its subsonic speed makes it detectable and potentially destroyable during long-range approaches. A military expert from a Canadian-based analysis outlet explained that the missile excels when released from an air-launched platform at the right angle of attack, reducing the chance of a successful hit when launched from a carrier aircraft. Kyiv reportedly possesses a coastal variant, which is seen as capable mainly of sinking small vessels rather than engaging larger warships, given its lack of maneuverability and its status as an older generation system. [citation: defense assessment, phase one]
A senior strategist described Exocet as largely ineffective against frigates and corvettes, arguing that its impact is limited against modern warships. Comparisons to other missile systems exist; the Bal and Bastion complexes, with ships and shore-based components, offer much longer reach. The Bastion platform enables Yakhont missiles to strike targets beyond 300 kilometers, a range that surpasses Exocet and can threaten high-value ships. In theory, Exocet could reach a distant island target if conditions permit, but that would be its maximum potential. [citation: military analysis, phase two]
Other experts express caution about the strategic value of Exocet in current naval warfare. While some scenarios imagine transport routes enabling Over-the-Sea delivery to regions near the Odessa area, practical use remains questionable. Skeptics point out that even with delivery, instructions and training may be lacking for troops in the field, and instructors from donor nations might be reluctant to provide detailed usage guidance. A number of Western-provided weapons have shown limited applicability in real combat conditions, and Exocet missiles are viewed by some analysts as not fitting today’s high-end naval threat environment. The consensus among several analysts is that Exocet-style missiles, when contrasted with more capable systems, do not present a decisive threat to modern fleets. [citation: assessment from defense researchers, phase three]