France Selects MBDA-Safran Consortium for Domestic Multiple Rocket Launcher
On June 15, 2026, France announced exclusive negotiations with a MBDA-Safran consortium to develop the Thundart multiple rocket launcher system, replacing its aging M270-based LRU launchers. The decision, made at the Eurosatory defense show by Minister Catherine Vautrin, prioritizes national sovereignty over foreign options like Lockheed Martin's HIMARS and Hanwha's Chunmoo. First deliveries are expected by 2029, with initial capability by 2030, bridging France's deep-strike gap as it prepares for high-intensity warfare.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
France Selects THUNDART Guided Rocket for Long-Range Strike Capability
France has entered the final phase of negotiations with MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense to field THUNDART, a new precision-guided rocket system for the French Army. The system, selected under the DGA's Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre programme, will replace the ageing LRU launchers (modernized M270s) which have a range of about 70 km. THUNDART, a 227mm guided rocket, doubles that reach to 150 km and is designed to operate in contested environments, including against jamming or loss of satellite navigation. Its guidance package is derived from Safran's AASM Hammer precision kit, and propulsion comes from Roxel, an MBDA subsidiary. The system is fully developed and produced in France, free of US ITAR export controls, allowing France sovereign control over sales. Executives from both companies highlighted the system's strategic, sovereign, and adaptable nature, and noted interest from allied countries for potential exports.
UK Defence JournalFrance Selects THUNDART Guided Rocket for Long-Range Strike Capability
France has entered final contract negotiations with MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense to produce THUNDART, a new 227mm guided rocket system for the French Army's deep-strike needs. The system, selected under the Direction Générale de l’Armement's Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre (FLP-T) programme, will replace the ageing LRU rocket launchers, which have a range of about 70km. THUNDART doubles that reach to 150km and is designed to operate in contested environments, using guidance from Safran's AASM Hammer-derived navigation package and propulsion from MBDA subsidiary Roxel. The launcher, developed with partners including Scania France and CMAR, integrates with the French Army's ATLAS fire management system. The system is free of US ITAR export controls, allowing France full sovereign control over exports. Executives from both companies highlighted the system's strategic importance and potential for allied export sales.
UK Defence JournalFrance selects Thundart as domestic successor to M270 MLRS
France has rejected foreign rocket launcher options and selected the MBDA-Safran consortium to develop Thundart, a domestically-produced multiple rocket launcher system to replace the American LRU (French M270 MLRS variant). Announcement made by Minister Catherine Vautrin at Eurosatory 2026. Thundart uses a Scania 8x8 chassis, fires guided missiles with 150 km range, supersonic speed, and guidance derived from Safran AASM bombs. The FLP-t program aims to acquire 13 to 26 launchers and at least 300 guided rockets, with all-European components. Production will be in Centre-Val de Loire. The decision ends speculation about interim foreign purchases (e.g., HIMARS). Live-fire trials of Thundart and competing X-Fire system were conducted in April/May 2026.
Defence24.comFrance Selects MBDA-Safran Thundart System as Domestic Replacement for M270 MLRS
France has decided to replace its aging LRU (French variant of M270 MLRS) multiple rocket launchers with a domestically developed system called Thundart, produced by the MBDA-Safran consortium. The decision was announced by Minister Catherine Vautrin at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris. Two consortia—ArianeGroup-Thales and MBDA-Safran—competed in the FLP-t (Frappe longue portée – terrestre) program. Both conducted successful live-fire tests in April 2025, but the government opted for exclusive negotiations with MBDA-Safran. The Thundart launcher features a Scania 8x8 chassis, automatic loading system for two containers holding four missiles each, and open architecture. The guided missile has a 150 km range, supersonic speed, and uses components derived from Safran's AASM bombs. The FLP-t program plans to acquire 13-26 launchers and at least 300 rockets, with potential for future upgrades including cruise missiles from MBDA Deutschland and UK. The decision ends foreign procurement speculation and ensures French sovereignty in artillery systems.
Defence24.comFrance Selects Thundart as Domestic Successor to M270 MLRS
France has officially selected the MBDA-Safran consortium to develop the Thundart multiple rocket launcher system as the domestic successor to the American-derived LRU (M270 MLRS) system. The decision, announced by Minister Catherine Vautrin at the Eurosatory defense exhibition, ends speculation about foreign alternatives. The Thundart system, based on French and European components, features a Scania 8x8 chassis with an armored cab and an open-architecture launcher module carrying up to eight guided missiles. Each missile has a range of 150 km and supersonic speed, with guidance derived from Safran's AASM bomb technology. The FLP-t program aims to acquire 13 to 26 launchers and at least 300 rockets, with potential for future expansion. The first live-fire trial was conducted in April. Production will occur in the Centre-Val de Loire region, and the system offers significant growth potential through integration of future MBDA munitions.
Defence24.comFrance Selects Sovereign Consortium for Successor to Unitary Rocket Launcher
On June 15, 2026, French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin announced the launch of exclusive negotiations with a sovereign consortium of MBDA and Safran to develop a successor to the unitary rocket launcher (LRU) for the French Army. The new system, part of the 'long-range ground strike' program, is to be deployed by 2030 and will offer enhanced range (increased from 80 to 150 km), mobility, precision, and resistance to jamming. The Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) conducted a comparative study of sovereign and alternative solutions, including successful test firings at the DGA Missile Testing Center on Levant Island. The contract is expected to be notified by summer 2026. The capability is designed for operational contexts ranging from preventive power demonstration to high-intensity coercion.
Ministère des Armées et des Anciens combattantsFrance selects MBDA-Safran partnership to supply multiple rocket launcher
France has entered exclusive negotiations with a consortium of Safran and MBDA to supply a domestically produced multiple rocket launcher system, rejecting competing offers from Thales-ArianeGroup, Lockheed Martin's HIMARS, and Hanwha Aerospace's Chunmoo. Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the decision at the Eurosatory defense show, emphasizing the need for a sovereign solution. The French Army urgently requires a successor to its aging M270-based LRU launchers, with deep strike identified as a critical capability gap as the country prepares for high-intensity warfare. The consortium expects to deliver the first systems by 2029, following successful tests of their Thundart munition, which has a 150 km range and is compatible with the Thales Atlas fire-control system. Potential upgrades include extending the range to 300 km and developing air- or ship-launched variants. The decision aligns with France's goal of achieving a war-ready division by 2027 and a war-ready army corps by 2030.
Defense NewsFrance picks MBDA-Safran combo to supply multiple rocket launcher
France has entered exclusive negotiations with a consortium of Safran and MBDA to supply a domestically produced multiple-launch rocket system, snubbing competing offers from Thales-ArianeGroup, Lockheed Martin's HIMARS, and Hanwha Aerospace's Chunmoo. Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the decision at the Eurosatory defense show, emphasizing the need for a sovereign solution. The French Army urgently requires a successor to its aging M270-based LRU launchers to fill a critical deep-strike capability gap ahead of a planned transition to a war-ready division by 2027 and army corps by 2030. The Safran-MBDA team expects first deliveries in 2029, following their Thundart munition test, which has a 150 km range and is derived from the AASM Hammer glide-bomb kit. Potential upgrades include a 300 km range and multi-platform launch capability.
Defense NewsFrance selects MBDA-Safran partnership to supply multiple rocket launcher
France has entered exclusive negotiations with a consortium of Safran and MBDA to supply a domestically produced multiple rocket launcher system, rejecting competing offers from Thales-ArianeGroup, Lockheed Martin's HIMARS, and Hanwha Aerospace's Chunmoo. Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin announced the decision at the Eurosatory defense show, emphasizing the need for a sovereign solution. The French Army seeks to replace its aging M270-based LRU launchers, with deep strike identified as a critical capability gap. The consortium expects to deliver the first systems by 2029, with initial operational capability by 2030. The Thundart munition, tested in April, has a 150 km range and is compatible with the Thales Atlas fire-control system. Potential upgrades include a 300 km range and multi-platform launch capability.
Defense News