Foudre MLRS: The Future of the French Army’s Rocket Systems
A mid-sized French company is gearing up to unveil a new contender to replace the French Army’s old multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) this June. Dubbed Foudre, translating to lightning, this innovative system has been developed by Turgis Gaillard, headquartered in Neuilly-sur-Seine, over the last two years. It is designed as a temporary substitute for the nine Lance-Roquettes Unitaires (LRU), a modified version of the M270 MLRS, which is set to be phased out by 2027.
Alongside the Foudre, the French Army is also evaluating other options. These include an expensive life-extension program for the existing LRUs, which have been in service since the 1990s, as well as foreign alternatives like the American HIMARS, South Korea’s Chunmoo, and India’s Pinaka.
Technical Specifications and Advantages
The Foudre’s chassis is reportedly crafted by Graffeuille, a subsidiary located in the Charente region, while the final integration of the system has been handled by Sefiam in Lozère. According to Challenges, a French news outlet, the Foudre is mounted on a Renault Trucks Kerax 6×6 chassis, making it more lightweight compared to 8×8 MLRS systems like the South Korean Chunmoo. This design enables it to avoid the use of stabilizing outriggers when firing, significantly enhancing its deployment speed.
In terms of mobility, the Foudre shares a vital capability with the HIMARS: it can be airlifted by C-130 aircraft, ensuring rapid transport to operational areas.
Firepower and Munition Options
When it comes to firepower, the Foudre is equipped with a versatile munition pod that can carry six 227 mm M31 rockets, which are also compatible with the M270 and HIMARS systems. Alternatively, the system can be fitted with either an MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) or two Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM). The ATACMS boasts a maximum range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), while the PrSM extends that reach to 500 kilometers (310 miles).
Furthermore, the Foudre is expected to support future munitions, including a planned Land Cruise Missile derived from the anti-ship Naval Cruise Missile, projected to have an impressive range of around 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). This extensive capability makes the Foudre a formidable asset in modern artillery.
Long-term Plans for Replacement
Meanwhile, the French Directorate General for Armaments (DGA) is working on a long-term domestic replacement for the aging LRU systems. Two consortia have been commissioned to explore this avenue. The first consists of Safran and MBDA, while the second brings together Thales and ArianeGroup, aiming to demonstrate their system’s capabilities by mid-2026.
In a move to enhance France’s artillery capabilities, the new system is projected to serve as an alternative to HIMARS and is expected to deliver an initial strike range of 150 kilometers (93 miles). The French government has earmarked 600 million euros (approximately $676 million) for the rocket-artillery program known as Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre, aiming to acquire about 13 systems by 2030 and 26 by 2025 to sufficiently equip a battalion. Should there be delays in development, the DGA will consider foreign alternatives as necessary.
