Peruvian Navy successfully test-fires Exocet Block 3 missiles for the first time

Peruvian Navy frigate FM-57 BAP Bolognesi recently conducted first test-fire of an Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile. (Peruvian Navy)

The Peruvian Navy (Marina de Guerra del Peru: MGP) recently conducted its first live-fire exercises with its surface-to-surface MBDA Exocet MM40 Block 3 and air-to-surface MBDA Exocet AM-39 missiles, navy officials said.

The successful live-fire test of the Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile firing – the first since this weapon was introduced in the service five years ago – was conducted on 30 September, by BAP Bolognesi (FM-57), one of the four Lupo-class frigates in MGP service armed with missile, navy officials said.

The missile reached its target, the decommissioned landing ship BAP Callao (DT-143), after completing a 172 km (92 n miles) flight, navy officials said.

The same target was hit later by an Exocet AM-39 missile, launched by a Sikorsky SH-3D Sea King helicopter from 36 km (19 n miles) of distance, the navy confirmed. The helicopter was deployed by BAP Tacna, former HNLMS Amsterdam, logistic support vessel.