Safran and MBDA have entered final contract negotiations with France’s DGA procurement agency for the THUNDART artillery system. This initiative will replace the nation’s aging Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) fleet. The project establishes a sovereign long-range strike capability for the French military.
The THUNDART system provides precision strikes at ranges up to 150 km. Developers designed the platform to meet the demands of high-intensity warfare. Production will occur entirely in France to support domestic industrial autonomy.
The partners expect the system to become operational by 2030. Safran and MBDA will establish an equally owned joint venture to lead development and future upgrades. The companies also intend to market the system for export to allied nations.