What Happened
French Defense Ministry Awards Contract To MBDA And Safran
The French Defense Procurement Agency has awarded a contract to MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense for the Thundart guided rocket system, which will replace the French Army’s M270-derived Lance-Roquettes Unitaire launchers. The Thundart system will increase the French Army’s long-range strike reach from around 80 kilometers to 150 kilometers. According to MBDA and Safran, the system will be designed, developed, and produced in France, with the companies establishing a 50/50 joint venture to manage Thundart’s development and production. The contract was first reported by AeroTime.