France Opts for Domestic Solutions in Rocket Artillery Revamp
In a strategic move to enhance its military capabilities, France has initiated exclusive negotiations with Safran and MBDA for the supply of homegrown rocket artillery systems and munitions. The decision was announced by Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin during the Eurosatory defense show near Paris, signifying a preference for national solutions over international offerings.
France bypassed a proposal from Thales and ArianeGroup, as well as options from global defense giants such as Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS and Hanwha Aerospace’s Chunmoo launcher. Minister Vautrin emphasized the importance of maintaining a sovereign defense capability, which influenced the decision-making process.
The French Army has been actively seeking a replacement for its aging M270-based LRU launchers. The need for a robust deep-strike capability is crucial for the Army’s preparation for potential high-intensity conflicts. The government has considered factors like delivery timelines, capability, cost-effectiveness, and sovereignty in its selection process.
“We are currently in exclusive negotiations with a sovereign consortium of Safran and MBDA,” Vautrin stated. “I would like to take the opportunity here to thank all the competitors for the high quality of the different proposals.”
As Europe lacks large-scale production of modern, independently developed multiple-rocket artillery systems, France’s move is significant. The country has been evaluating both domestic and off-the-shelf solutions, as noted by Vautrin in April.
General Philippe de Montenon, commander of the French land forces and operations, highlighted the critical role of rocket artillery in the country’s military strategy. He stated, “We need them, of course, as soon as possible. The Army clearly recognizes the need to have an initial capability as early as 2030 to replace the single-use rocket launchers. This is essential.”
Back in April, Safran and MBDA expressed confidence in their ability to deliver the first multiple-launch rocket systems by 2029 if their proposal is accepted by the French armed forces.
The announcement followed a successful test of their Thundart munition, designed for France’s Long-Range Land Strike program, at the Île du Levant test range. The Thundart rocket boasts a range of 150 kilometers, with potential for further development to extend its reach.
Safran showcased the Thundart’s compatibility with the Thales Atlas artillery fire-control system, featuring a guidance kit derived from the AASM Hammer glide-bomb kit, offering metric accuracy. Future enhancements may include a 300-kilometer range or munitions capable of being launched from aircraft or ships, as outlined in their Eurosatory presentation.
The displayed launcher at Safran’s stand was mounted on a Scania truck, underlining the adaptability and mobility of the system.
