France’s Next Step in Rocket Artillery: The Development of a Domestic Solution
A French Initiative
France is set to embark on an ambitious journey to test a domestically-developed rocket artillery system by mid-2026. This project aims to create an alternative to the renowned U.S. High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). By developing its own system, France hopes to offer its allies a European capability that aligns with its defense autonomy goals.
Technical Partnerships and Development Goals
The French Directorate General for Armament (DGA) is collaborating with industry giants Safran and MBDA, alongside Thales and ArianeGroup, to engineer a tactical strike capability that boasts a range of 150 kilometers (93 miles). The urgency behind this initiative is amplified by the approaching retirement of France’s Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU), a modified version of the M270 multiple launch rocket system, which is nearing the end of its service life in 2027.
Military leaders and lawmakers in France are advocating for a domestic solution to ensure the country’s defense autonomy is upheld. Researcher Léo Péria-Peigné from the Institut Français des Relations Internationales points out that with the imminent retirement of the LRU, maintaining artillery capabilities becomes critical, even if the urgency may seem relative given the limited use of such capabilities over the past three decades.
Funding and Size of the Program
The French defense spending plan for 2024-2030 includes a budget of €600 million ($663 million) allocated for the new rocket-artillery program, named Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre (FLP-T). The plan envisions the acquisition of at least 13 systems by 2030 and aims for a total of 26 systems to outfit a battalion by 2035. The DGA has assured that the timeline for replacing the LRU is proceeding as intended.
Foreign Options Still on the Table
However, the DGA is also considering foreign purchases if the domestic timeline fails to align. A decision regarding this potential alternative is slated for next year, highlighting the balancing act France must perform between developing its own capabilities and securing immediate artillery solutions.
European Context and Competition
The push for a self-reliant French artillery system stems from a broader European need for domestic solutions in the face of escalating military capabilities from other regions. As noted by French Army Chief of Staff General Pierre Schill, many European armies currently lack an equivalent to HIMARS, leading them to rely on foreign systems like the Israeli PULS or South Korea’s Chunmoo. Germany, for instance, has sought collaborations to develop its own versions of artillery systems, emphasizing the competitive landscape within Europe.
Countries such as Sweden and Norway are also pursuing advancements in rocket artillery capabilities, while nations like Poland, the Netherlands, and Romania have already invested in HIMARS, PULS, or Chunmoo systems. Meanwhile, the UK is contemplating expanding its fleet of M270 multiple launch rocket systems, further illustrating the dynamic competition for artillery systems in Europe.
Long-Term Strategy and Innovation Partnerships
Safran and MBDA are committed to adhering to the DGA’s timeline for testing the rocket artillery system, with plans for joint demonstration firings. As part of the innovation partnership model introduced by the DGA, the initial financial backing has been secured for the FLP-T program, allowing for direct procurement options after completing the development phases.
This innovative partnership approach fosters collaboration while requiring consortia to provide substantial self-financing. A pivotal aspect is the flexibility for the DGA to purchase the system without launching a new competitive tender, streamlining the process once performance requirements are met.
The Thundart System: Technical Specifications and Future Outlook
The newly developed rocket-artillery system, identified as "Thundart," is based on previously tested subsystems, ensuring a strong foundation for operational capability. A notable feature is the potential for an operational capacity to be achieved before 2030. Both Safran and MBDA position Thundart as a uniquely European solution, free from U.S. export restrictions and promising greater independence in manufacturing and production timelines.
Development efforts have already produced a mock-up of the Thundart 227 mm long-range guided-artillery rocket, showcased at the Eurosatory defense show in June 2024. This rocket is designed to meet the specified accuracy of 150 kilometers, highlighting the consortium’s commitment to achieving operational efficiency.
Navigating the Future of French Artillery
The urgency of creating a sovereign capability in artillery systems cannot be understated, particularly as the French Army navigates its dependence on foreign equipment. The complexities surrounding the FLP-T project involve balancing immediate needs with long-term strategic goals, including potential advancements to accommodate hypersonic missile integration.
While there may be discussions around foreign options, the DGA and French military leadership are clear about their intent to prioritize a national solution, supporting both the innovative spirit of the defense industry and the country’s defense autonomy. France’s actions towards developing a self-sufficient rocket artillery system not only reflect its military aspirations but also stand as a testament to its commitment to a balanced and sustainable defense strategy that could redefine European military collaboration in the years to come.
