AM-39 Exocet vs SS.12 / AS.12

The AM-39 Exocet and the SS.12 / AS.12 are both Anti-Ship missiles. The AM-39 Exocet has a range of 70 km — 8.8x the SS.12 / AS.12's 8 km. The AM-39 Exocet reaches 1,111 km/h vs 370 km/h for the SS.12 / AS.12. The AM-39 Exocet carries a 165 kg warhead vs 28 kg for the SS.12 / AS.12. Launch weight is 870 kg for the AM-39 Exocet vs 76 kg for the SS.12 / AS.12. The AM-39 Exocet uses Inertial, radar actif guidance, while the SS.12 / AS.12 relies on Wire. The AM-39 Exocet has been produced in 4,000 units vs 10,000 for the SS.12 / AS.12. The SS.12 / AS.12 entered service 14 years before the AM-39 Exocet (1960 vs 1974).

French anti-ship missile, entered service in 1974, uses inertial and active radar guidance.
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Anti-Ship
Type Anti-ship missile
Manufacturer MBDA
Service year 1974
Number produced 4,000 units
Estimated unit price $1.5 million
French anti-ship missile, entering service in 1960, utilizes wire guidance to reach its 8 km range.
Origin 🇫🇷 France
Category Anti-Ship
Type Anti-ship missile
Manufacturer Aerospatiale
Service year 1960
Number produced 10,000 units
Estimated unit price NA
Range 70.0 km
Maximum speed Mach 0.9
Weight 870 kg
Warhead 165.0 kg
Length 4.70 m
Diameter 350 mm
Guidance Inertial, radar actif
Warhead type High-explosive
Range 8.0 km
Maximum speed 370 km/h
Weight 76 kg
Warhead 28.0 kg
Length 1.87 m
Diameter 180 mm
Guidance Wire
Warhead type Semi-armour Piercing

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The AM-39 Exocet has a longer range at 70 km compared to the SS.12 / AS.12's 8 km.
Which is faster, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The AM-39 Exocet is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 0.9 compared to the SS.12 / AS.12's 370 km/h.
Which has a larger warhead, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The AM-39 Exocet carries a larger warhead at 165 kg compared to the SS.12 / AS.12's 28 kg.
Which is heavier, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The AM-39 Exocet is heavier at 870 kg compared to the SS.12 / AS.12's 76 kg.
Which is longer, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The AM-39 Exocet is longer at 4.70 meters compared to the SS.12 / AS.12's 1.87 meters.
What guidance systems do the AM-39 Exocet and SS.12 / AS.12 use?
The AM-39 Exocet uses Inertial, radar actif guidance while the SS.12 / AS.12 uses Wire guidance.
Which entered service first, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The SS.12 / AS.12 entered service first in 1960, 14 years before the AM-39 Exocet which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AM-39 Exocet or SS.12 / AS.12?
The SS.12 / AS.12 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,000 units compared to 4,000 units of the AM-39 Exocet.