What is French rocket launcher Foudre (Lightning)?
- Portugal Business News
- May 8
- 1 min read
Defence News Europe - What is French rocket launcher Foudre (Lightning)?
French Defence company Turgis & Gaillard has launched its multiple rocket launcher Foudre, meaning Lightning.
French rocket launcher "Foudre" is not only compatible with ammunition by MBDA/Safran as well as ArianeGroup/Thales, but also Indian Pinaka rockets, with a range of 75 km.
“Foudre” is part of the ELSA [European Long-Range Strike Approach”] project, which was unveiled last June by the French Minister of the Armed Forces, and is the subject of a cooperation involving France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom to develop surface-to-surface missiles with a range of more than 1,000 km.
What are the capabilities of Foudre?
While armies now detect targets hundreds of miles away using drones, satellites and intelligence systems, Foudre completes this chain by striking accurately up to 1,000 km, disorganizing enemy lines and protecting friendly forces.
French rocket launcher "Foudre" was designed to be airworthy by A400M and C-130 Hercules to and combine multiple types of guided munitions with a range from 75 to 1,000 km.
Foudre, will be able to use six precision munitions of different types, including guided rockets with a range of 75 km, missiles with a range of 150 km, ballistic missiles with a range of 300 km, but also cruise missiles exceeding 1,000 km range.
French Defence company Turgis & Gaillard also has its Aarok drone project, which will be responsible for long-range surveillance missions and carry out up to 1.5 tons of ammunition, all with a 24-hour autonomy.
