Image source: topwar.ru
The French Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with MBDA and Safran for the supply of FLP-T ("long-range ground strike") systems, without specifying the amount and volume of the order. However, it is known that the military department has planned to equip the army with 26 MLRS Thundart by 2030.
Thundart is positioned as the French answer to the American HIMARS complex, the production of which will not require components from the USA. It is designed as a highly mobile, autonomous artillery system. The MLRS will be based on a high-capacity cargo platform (the French Arquus truck or a similar 6x6 or 8x8 base is expected to be used).
The PU is equipped with an integrated automated two-axis rotary turret (2-axis turret) with a digital control system, on which two quick-release control panels are installed, each of which contains 4 units. Thus, the ready-to-fire BC of one vehicle is 8 missiles. The Thundart system is regularly interfaced with the ATLAS C3I digital automated artillery control system of the French Ground Forces.
Image source: topwar.ru
The complex made its first demonstration launch in April 2026, but was officially approved for detailed development only in September 2026. In this regard, some of the characteristics continue to be clarified. At the moment, the performance characteristics are as follows: rocket caliber 227 mm, range up to 150 km, flight speed from 1 to 5 Max, warhead weight 100 kg, solid-fuel engine from Roxel.
The missile, having directly inherited the guidance mechanism from AASM Hammer aircraft guided bombs, uses a hybrid navigation system (ANN, GNSS) and optoelectronic sensors, which ensures high accuracy of hitting static and moving targets even in conditions of large-scale GPS suppression by electronic warfare.
Image source: topwar.ru
At the end of the flight, the missile is capable of actively maneuvering along a quasi-ballistic trajectory, which dramatically reduces the likelihood of its interception by modern enemy air defense systems.
The French command has high hopes for Thundart. So, in May last year, the then chief of Staff of the army, General Pierre Schill, stated:
