France has test-fired its second domestic alternative to HIMARS's GMLRS-ER for the first time. This refers to the FLP-t 150 rocket munition, which is being developed by Thales and ArianeGroup to replace the older M270 LRU multiple launch rocket systems.
The test was conducted on May 5 in collaboration with the Defense Procurement Agency at the Île-du-Levant test site on an island in the Mediterranean Sea. The selected design, technologies, and performance specifications—including a range of up to 150 km—have reportedly been validated.
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It is reported that by the end of May, test firings will also be conducted using the X-Fire launcher from Thales and Soframe. It will be compatible with both other French-made munitions and foreign ammunition.
It is noted that the technology behind the FLP-T 150 guided projectiles is derived from ballistic missiles. The system is also said to be capable of high-precision targeting even under active jamming and electronic warfare conditions, which is crucial on the modern battlefield.
To ensure stability and guidance, the system uses the TopStar Smart Receiver, which includes a GNSS receiver that relies on both military and civilian satellite constellations. It also features an adaptive CRPA antenna and a high-precision clock for time synchronization.
It should be noted that the competing Thundart project, on which MBDA and Safran are working, completed its first flight on April 14 at the Île-de-Lévant test site. The project moved from development to the test phase in 18 months.
Both munitions have a range of 150 km, so France will determine the final winner based on the results of further tests and comparisons. The result will be a sovereign European MLRS system, as most existing systems are developed outside Europe.
At the same time, there are doubts about when the systems will become available, as France plans to procure 13–26 launchers and a total of 300 missiles by 2030. Consequently, production volumes are unlikely to be high without export contracts. .
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