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MBDA, Safran Complete First Firing of Thundart Rocket

April 29, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

MBDA and Safran completed the first Thundart rocket firing.
The test validated the system's design and propulsion architecture.
Thundart targets a range of 150 kilometers.
A joint venture is being considered for further development.

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Strategic Implications

This milestone may indicate MBDA and Safran's strong position in the competition to replace France's aging LRU fleet. The development of a sovereign deep-strike system suggests a focus on European defense autonomy, which could have implications for future procurement decisions and may strengthen the companies' competitive edge in the global market.

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What Happened

French Defense Contractors Advance Deep Strike Capability

MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense have successfully completed the first demonstration firing of the Thundart ground-to-ground rocket system, a key milestone in the development of a sovereign deep-strike capability for the French Army. The test, which took place at the DGA Essais Missiles test site in southern France, validated the system’s design choices and propulsion architecture, with performance exceeding expectations. The Thundart program is part of the FLP-T initiative, launched by the French defense procurement agency to replace the aging LRU fleet. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

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