France is on the brink of a pivotal decision regarding its rocket artillery capabilities. This month marks the beginning of crucial tests for domestically designed systems, setting the stage for an evaluation against international alternatives, as revealed by the chief of the French armaments agency.
Patrick Pailloux, leading the Directorate General for Armament, reported satisfactory initial assessments of a French rocket artillery system, with additional trials scheduled shortly. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to contrast local innovations with systems currently utilized by other European forces. Notably, Safran and MBDA, as well as Thales and ArianeGroup, are spearheading French projects, while international competitors include Hanwha Aerospace’s Chunmoo, Israel’s Elbit Systems’ PULS, and Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS.
“There is significant pressure from the Army, which considers this to be its absolute priority requirement in the event of a major engagement, because they’ll need to hold out during the first few days,” Pailloux noted. He elaborated on the criticality of acquiring these capabilities, highlighting cost, delivery timelines, and potential trade-offs as key considerations.
France intends to procure 26 systems with 300 munitions, aiming to establish a fully equipped rocket artillery battalion by 2030. This urgency stems from the need to replace the dwindling fleet of Lance-Roquettes Unitaire systems, which are nearing the end of their operational lifespan by 2027.
Simultaneously, France is advancing a land-based ballistic missile project, with a €1 billion investment earmarked for the current year. This initiative includes developing a missile featuring a maneuverable hypersonic glide vehicle, expected to deliver optimal cost-performance results. Although the target date for completion is 2035, efforts are underway to expedite progress, potentially introducing an initial version by 2030.
Pailloux also announced plans for substantial munitions acquisitions exceeding €6 billion, encompassing SCALP cruise missiles, AASM guided bombs, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and various air-defense missiles. Another €320 million is allocated for enhancing industrial capabilities where deemed necessary.
Further developments include the next iteration of the Rafale fighter jet, with a budget of €3.4 billion directed towards combat aviation upgrades. Enhancements involve a new Safran engine, improved radar systems, and the acceleration of MBDA’s supersonic missile project, with aspirations to launch a new air-to-air missile by 2030.
Additionally, France aims to operationalize the Chorus drone by year-end, designed to cover 3,000 kilometers while carrying a 500-kilogram payload. Manufactured by Renault, each unit is projected to cost €120,000, offering a cost-effective solution compared to other munitions, Pailloux remarked.
