French defence firm Thales will increase the production of its FZ275 70 mm (2.75”) laser-guided rockets in its Belgium facility located in Herstal. French defence firm Thales is set to significantly increase the production of its FZ275 70 mm (2.75”) laser-guided rockets in its Belgium facility located in Herstal, a move that promises a steady supply for the future.
Opex360 reports that production will ramp up to 5000 rockets per month in 2025 from 1000 rockets per month. Thanks to the common diameter and propulsion section, the guided rockets are interchangeable with the Hydra and FFAR unguided rockets.
Thales’s FZ275 laser-guided rocket can be used on helicopters, naval platforms, and recently, UGVs like the German Rheinmetall’s Mission Master. Depending on launch conditions, the rocket can hit targets eight to ten kilometres away with HE or anti-armour warhead options.
The rocket can be considered a counterpart to the U.S.-made APKWS II kit and the Turkish CİRİT missile. FZ275 and CİRİT are similar in that both were developed as ground-up solutions.
Compared to the heavier and costlier ATGMs, laser-guided rockets of this calibre have become popular due to their significant cost savings. Recent developments include integration on lighter platforms like pickups and integration of proximity fuses against UAVs as demonstrated by APKWS II.
