French company ArianeGroup has shown its FLP-T precision rocket, which should serve as an American ER GMLRS analog. The first demonstrator is expected to be ready in the first half of 2026, meaning test start should be expected in coming months.
For the new weapon being developed in partnership with Thales, sub-decameter accuracy is claimed, meaning less than 10 meters. Resistance to jamming and electronic warfare systems is also declared.
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Overall, this should be ammunition for a potential French multiple launch rocket system that will serve as an American M142 HIMARS analog. It is emphasized that development will be ITAR-free, meaning independent of U.S. permits and restrictions.
Precision strike capabilities at depths up to 150 km are very important on the modern battlefield, enabling strikes on targets in the enemy's near rear. However, Europe currently has no corresponding domestically-produced rocket systems.
Most European countries choose either American M142 HIMARS or South Korean K239 Chunmoo. At the same time, some like Germany took Israeli PULS, which with localization became EuroPULS and Mars 3.
However, France insists on its own sovereign solution, within which FLP-T is being developed. Besides the already-mentioned ArianeGroup and Thales, companies MBDA and Safran are creating the analogous Thundart rocket in this project, even showing it in December 2025.
Though the launcher for the project has not yet been definitively determined, French defense industry proposes Foudre from Turgis Gaillard, which will receive a fire control system from Airbus. However, there is also talk they might purchase Indian Pinaka or simply integrate rockets from there.
Interestingly, according to previously available information, it was stated that ArianeGroup and Thales were working on a rocket with range over 300 km, but now 150 km is reported. Therefore, it now appears they will have to compete with Thundart, which will be in this same niche.
Of course, these are all still developments that must undergo refinement and testing, while deploying serial production requires time. However, the presence of demonstrator appearance timelines inspires hope that the project will be implemented relatively quickly without needing to search for alternatives.
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