France sets sights on homegrown rocket artillery by 2026
By mid-2026, France plans to test its own rocket artillery system, considered an alternative to the M142 HIMARS. What exactly are the French working on?
According to the French Directorate General of Armaments, the new rocket artillery system is to be developed through a collaboration of the companies Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup. The goal is to create a system with a strike capability range of 150 kilometres.
Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) for replacement
France aims to replace the Lance-Roquettes Unitaire system, which is set to be retired in 2027. Under the defense plan for 2024-2030, 600 million euros have been allocated for the Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre program. The goal is to purchase at least 13 systems by 2030 and 26 by 2035.
The French Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Pierre Schill, emphasizes that the ability for long-range tactical strikes is crucial. Many European countries already possess such systems, and France wants to ensure its autonomy in this field, similar to other armament systems.
Collaboration with European companies and a hybrid of well-known solutions
The companies Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup are working on the Thundart 227 mm system, which is to be ready before 2030. This system will be free from American commercial restrictions and produced in Europe. Safran and MBDA have already invested substantial funds in this project.
France is also considering purchasing foreign systems if the development of the domestic solution is delayed, as the service life of the LRU systems can be extended by up to 2 to 3 years. A decision on this matter is expected next year. The French are also counting on interest from other European countries, such as Sweden or Norway.
The most likely solution is a 227 mm calibre missile shown at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition, compatible with the M270 MLRS launcher. It consists of a solid-fuel rocket topped with a warhead guidance system originating from AASM Hammer kits.
This is a straightforward use of available means, and the effect could be more effective than American GMLRS or GLSDB rockets if sections with laser beam reflection guidance or an optoelectronic head that views the thermal image of the target were used. However, it should be noted that the model shown at the exhibition included the cheapest, but sometimes unreliable option of inertial and satellite navigation.
The war in Ukraine demonstrated that rocket artillery with a range of 80 kilometres or more is essential, and there is currently no locally produced system in Europe. EU countries are sourcing the appropriate weapons outside Europe, examples being Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, which chose the Israeli PULS system, or Poland, which, aside from the also popular American M142 HIMARS, chose the South Korean K239 Chunmoo system.
