Defense: France ready to choose American rocket launchers despite two national offers?

French Army’s Single Rocket Launcher Replacement Program Enters Decisive Phase

The replacement of the French Army’s single rocket launchers (LRU) has entered a decisive phase. The FLP-T program, launched in 2023 by the General Directorate of Armament, aims to choose a new system by next summer, as the current equipment, derived from a Lockheed Martin model and capable of striking up to 70 kilometers, will reach the end of its life by 2027. In the race, Safran and MBDA have taken the lead with a demonstration of their Thundart system. On April 29, the duo announced a successful first shot: a “all-terrain” truck launcher carrying eight rockets, designed to reach 80 km/h and most importantly to strike and then quickly retreat. This logic is derived from lessons learned from the conflict in Ukraine, where artillery pieces become vulnerable to drones. The system also includes hardened guidance against jamming.

A week apart, Thales and ArianeGroup presented their own demonstrator, with a successful test of a long-range ballistic missile. The industrialists highlight a range of up to 2500 kilometers and a capability to quickly increase production, according to Vincent Pery from ArianeGroup. Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin praised the “very interesting tests,” as reported by BFMTV.

French Demonstrators Ready for Battle

But the choice is not limited to French solutions. The DGA is also examining “off-the-shelf” systems to compare their performance. Among the options mentioned are the South Korean K239 and especially the American Himars from Lockheed Martin, already widely deployed in Europe. Catherine Vautrin emphasizes three criteria: effectiveness, price, and delivery time. An American offer has reportedly been submitted. In the Senate, she states that “the DGA is working with two groups of French companies to replace the LRU.” But Senator Cédric Perrin, president of the Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces Committee, is concerned about a possible American choice, mentioning a “casus belli” and the risk of dependence. The final decision is expected by the summer.