The Rafale aircraft will soon have a much better defense against drones

The French army wants to put an end to the costly practice of shooting down drones with expensive missiles. To preserve its resources against more critical threats, the head of the French defense procurement agency confirms the integration of Thales rockets onto Rafale jets, a formidable defense available starting this summer.

Destroying an enemy drone is good, but doing so without spending a fortune is even better. This economic equation is at the forefront of military thinking worldwide as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles continues to rise. In France, the Air and Space Force has had to confront this challenge during the war in Iran.

Firing €1.5 million MICA missiles at low-cost drones, which can be made for just tens of thousands of euros, is not an ideal option. This dilemma has been on the military’s agenda for months.

A new range of armaments is being developed for the Rafale fighter jets to address this aerial threat as effectively as with MICA missiles but at a fraction of the cost. Rockets, notably manufactured by Thales, will be attached to the French fighter planes, providing a more cost-effective solution.

The integration of these rockets is underway and will be available this summer, presenting a tighter timeline for military deployment. Thales’ 68mm laser-guided rockets, in service for over 15 years on Tigre helicopters, offer versatility, lightweight, and precision against drones.

Replacing MICA missiles with rockets not only offers economic benefits but also enhances the military’s capacity and strategic advantages. By using simpler armaments for slower, less dangerous threats, the Air Force can reserve more sophisticated weapons for high-intensity scenarios.

MICA missiles, capable of Mach 4 speeds over distances of 60 to 80 km, are essential for the Rafale’s aerial combat. They are advanced interception missiles for engaging enemy aircraft or missiles.

(Source: Dassault Aviation)