The “Exocet” missile is a two-stage, all‑weather air‑to‑surface cruise missile developed by France’s Aérospatiale. Its designation is **AM-39.** Development of this missile began in 1970, building upon the MM38 ship‑to‑ship missile. It was finalized and put into production in 1978, after which it entered service and has since been delivered in significant numbers—estimated to exceed 2,000 units. This anti‑ship missile boasts advantages such as compact size, light weight, high accuracy, exceptional low‑altitude sea‑skimming capability, along with fire‑and‑forget functionality and full‑all‑weather operational performance. It is equipped on French military platforms including the Super Étendard, Super Puma, Mirage 50, F.1, and 2000 attack aircraft; the Atlantique maritime patrol aircraft; and the Super Frelon and Sea King armed helicopters, primarily for engaging surface ships and other maritime targets.