The project, backed by the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA), involves leading defence firms including Safran, MBDA, Thales, and ArianeGroup. It is focused on developing a tactical strike capability with a range of up to 150 kilometres.
The future system will be part of the Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre (FLP-T) programme, which is allocated €600 million under France’s 2024–2030 defence budget. The plan includes acquiring at least 13 new multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) by 2030 and expanding to 26 units by 2035.
According to Defense News, current MLRS platforms used by the French Army are becoming outdated, prompting national debate about replacing them with French-built solutions. “France wants to remain sovereign in its ability to conduct deep fires,” one defence official told the publication.
European armies have increasingly turned to foreign systems such as the American HIMARS, Israel’s PULS, and South Korea’s Chunmoo to enhance their long-range strike capabilities. The Defense News article highlights that no European-produced equivalent to HIMARS currently exists, making France’s initiative particularly significant.
The FLP-T system is expected to enhance France’s strategic autonomy and bolster Europe’s industrial base in the field of guided rocket artillery. If successful, it could pave the way for other EU members to adopt a European alternative to non-EU suppliers.
Source: Defense News.
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