France completes C-UAS rocket integration for Rafale
A Thales 68 mm LGR Aculeus LGR moments after being launched from a Rafale combat aircraft during trials. The combination is set to be rolled out operationally over the coming weeks to provide a cost-effective yet capable C-UAS solution. (DGA)
France has completed the integration of laser-guided rockets (LGRs) aboard the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft for the counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) role.
The Directorate General of Armament (Direction Générale de l'Armement: DGA) announced the successful conclusion of the work on 7 July 2026, 13 months after Janes first reported the effort to integrate the Thales 68 mm Aculeus LGR (using the Thales Induction Rocket Solutions [IRS] launcher architecture) at the Paris Airshow in June 2025.
With the end of live-fire trials at the DGA's missile test facility at Biscarrosse on the French Atlantic coast, the capability is set to be rolled out to the French Air and Space Force and French Navy over the coming weeks. Earlier in 2026, the head of the DGA, Patrick Pailloux told the National Assembly that the capability would be ready for operational fielding “this summer”.
Speaking to Janes at the Paris Airshow 2025, Sebastian (surname withheld for security reasons), a chief engineer at the DGA said that, “We cannot keep using our high-value missiles in this role.” He added that a cheaper yet equally effective solution was required.
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