Described by its developers as “100% French-made,” the Foudre aims to rival HIMARS in capability and design. It is mounted on a three-axle truck chassis, features an armoured cabin, and supports a single six-missile pod.
The French publication Challenges released the first images of the prototype, highlighting design similarities with existing American launchers. While the system is presented as domestically produced, the launcher’s configuration suggests possible compatibility with U.S. munitions.
This potential interoperability raises questions about the extent of domestic production, though it could enable the use of France’s existing stock of LRU munitions. If integrated with U.S. technology, the Foudre could fire GMLRS rockets with an 80-kilometre range or reach 300–500 kilometres using ATACMS or PrSM missiles—pending cooperation with Lockheed Martin, which has not been confirmed.
According to Challenges, Turgis Gaillard presented the system to senior figures from the French Army Command and the General Directorate for Armament (DGA) several months ago. The Foudre was also cited in an April parliamentary report on artillery by MPs Jean-Louis Thiériot and Mathieu Bloch as a potential replacement for the ageing LRU systems.
France’s LRU launchers, derived from the U.S. M270 platform, were last delivered in the 1990s and are nearing retirement by the end of 2027. Following transfers to Ukraine and cannibalisation for spare parts, France now retains only six to seven functional units, with three currently stationed at Romania’s Cincu base under NATO operations.
The launch of Foudre is seen as a timely move for French defence self-reliance amid growing international demand for MLRS systems. France had even explored foreign alternatives, including the Indian Pinaka, before backing a domestic solution.
Source: challenger.fr.
