According to the reports, deliveries could begin within 18 months of a contract being signed. Because the information is unofficial, details of the offer have not been described in depth.
The proposal is understood to focus on rapid delivery, supported by Lockheed Martin’s internal investments. It is also reported to include a partial transfer of launcher production to France from 2028.
It is not known how many launchers or missiles France would seek to purchase. The types of missiles under consideration have also not been disclosed.
France has reportedly already held talks on the matter with the administration in Washington. There is no information on possible ammunition production in France or on which company could become Lockheed Martin’s business partner.
The programme to replace the LRU launchers, the U.S.-made M270A1 systems in French service, covers the acquisition of several dozen field rocket launchers for the Armée de terre. The requirement is for at least 39 launchers, although plans call for this number to be increased.
France requires the new system to use ammunition with a range of at least 150 kilometres. Domestic solutions are currently being considered as the main option.
Two national teams are competing in the programme. One consists of Thales, Ariane Group and Soframe, while the other brings together MBDA and Safran.
France’s General Directorate for Armaments, known as DGA, has indicated that off-the-shelf solutions could be selected if domestic proposals do not meet expectations. Delivery timelines are a key factor, as the first 13 launchers should be delivered by 2030.
Systems under consideration include M142 HIMARS with GMLRS, ATACMS or PrSM missiles. Other options include Hanwha’s K239 and less typical candidates such as India’s Pinaka rocket artillery system.
Source: Breaking Defense.
