The Defense Forces of Ukraine are using Thales' FZ275 LGR rockets on the battlefield laser-guided munitions similar to the American APKWS. This information was confirmed by Thomas Collinet, Director of the Vehicle and Tactical Systems Department at Thales Belgium.
These rockets are designed to target class II and III drones under NATO classification, primarily referring to russian-iranian long-range strike UAVs such as Shahed-type/Geran-2. Collinet's comments were cited by The Business Insider.
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The FZ275 LGR rockets are compatible with NATO-standard 70mm launchers, and in Ukraine, they are primarily used with the L3Harris Vampire air defense systems. The article also highlights the FZ123 warhead, which uses thousands of small steel pellets to destroy aerial targets. When detonated mid-air, the warhead creates a cloud of shrapnel several dozen meters wide, capable of inflicting fatal damage to drones. The FZ123 warhead was first unveiled at the Eurosatory exhibition in 2024.
Collinet emphasized that current production rates do not meet Ukraine's growing demand for these rockets, noting that Kyiv's desire to acquire more indicates strong satisfaction with their battlefield performance.
Although he did not disclose the cost of the FZ275 LGR or the number supplied to Ukraine, Collinet revealed that Thales aims to reach an annual output of 3,500 rockets by the end of this year and nearly triple that figure up to 10,000 by 2026.
However, it's worth noting that this year's target of 3,500 rockets is lower than the company's initial goal. Back in July 2024, Thales announced plans to scale production to 5,000 units per year by launching a new manufacturing line.
Thales remains Europe's leading producer of 70mm unguided air-launched rockets, currently manufacturing around 30,000 annually. If the companys Herstal facility switches to two shifts, production could double to 60,000 per year.
It should also be recalled that in the fall of last year, Ukraine signed a memorandum with Thales Belgium on joint production of anti-drone rockets though the current stage of this project remains unknown.
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