On April 14, MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense successfully conducted the first firing of the THUNDART ammunition, the next-generation artillery system, with support from the French Direction Générale de l’Armement Essais Missiles (DGA EM). It took only 18 months to go from the drawing board to the demonstration. This success represents a key milestone just weeks before the DGA’s decision on the replacement of the Lance-Roquettes Unitaires (LRU), which are set to become obsolete by 2030. THUNDART is currently the only sovereign system in Europe to have demonstrated a strike range superior to that of the LRUs currently in service with the French Army. Conducted at the Île du Levant range, this launch validated the design and propulsion choices, with performance exceeding expectations, reinforcing confidence in the solution.
This success is notably due to the implementation of a propulsion system developed for THUNDART by Roxel. MBDA has integrated Roxel as a wholly-owned subsidiary of its European defence group, having acquired the 50% share held by Safran on 19 december 2024. This acquisition leverages Roxel’s existing and future capabilities at a time of major growth and investment. Roxel will continue to manage its activities independently, honouring all its existing contracts with other systems suppliers while developing new markets, particularly for export. This acquisition will accelerate the development of Roxel, strengthening its position as a global player in tactical propulsion and consolidating its role as a national champion in France and the UK. The AASM (Modular Air-to-Ground Weapon) guidance kit, developed by Safran and integrated into THUDNART, also confirmed the rocket’s robustness in specific and challenging environments.
This demonstration is the result of an effective collaboration between MBDA, Safran and their partners, as well as the adaptation and investment efforts made to meet the needs of the armed forces and provide the first operational systems by 2030. With THUNDART, MBDA and Safran are pooling expertise for an accelerated development, offering a solution developed and produced in Europe that is easily scalable for mass production, backed by an already existing and resilient industrial infrastructure. Both companies are fully prepared to ramp up production and continue to significantly expand their capacity. MBDA plans to invest 2 billion euros in France between 2026 and 2030, as well as a 40% increase in production in 2026 compared to 2025. Safran produced four times as many AASMs between 2022 and 2025 at its Montluçon site.
Fully engaged in the competition, MBDA and Safran are ready for the next phase of the Long-Range Land Strike (Frappe Longue Portée Terrestre – FLP-T) program launched by DGA. More than a hundred employees are mobilized. The two groups also make use of a fully French supply chain, thereby contributing to the maintenance and development of skills in five regions, while ensuring supply security. Finally, the establishment of a 50/50 joint venture between MBDA and Safran is under consideration to effectively continue the development of THUNDART. Potential developments in the field of long-range artillery are also being considered, capitalizing on the two groups’ expertise in deep-strike capabilities.
