Seeking a local solution for the next MLRS as the M270 LRU is approaching the date of succession by a new system, France plans to test the Thundart MLRS to add new capabilities in the middle of 2026. Thundart, unveiled during Eurosatory 2024, will first provide an artillery rocket with a range of 150 km, which is comparable to the US-made ER-GMLRS. MBDA stated that the artillery rocket will have moving target engagement capability to a degree by integration with the ATLAS fire control system, which hints at a high rate of GPS updates by datalink.
The artillery rocket is likely to draw from Safran’s AASM Hammer series of guided bombs when it comes to guidance. This might offer seeker options in the future, in addition to GPS/INS guidance, as AASM is available with IIR and laser seeker options.
A missile with a range of 500 km is also planned, which might be the JFS-M cruise missile or a short-range ballistic missile. France currently lacks a long-range option for its MLRS, as the M270 LRU is only capable of firing the unguided M26 and GPS-guided M31 GMLRS rockets.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
