France selects Safran and MBDA to develop next-generation long-range rocket system

10:06

France has entered into exclusive negotiations with a consortium formed by Safran and MBDA to develop a new long-range rocket system, according to the French Ministry of Armed Forces.

The announcement was made by Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin during the Eurosatory defence exhibition, where she confirmed that France is seeking to modernize its deep-strike military capabilities. The new system is intended to replace the country’s existing LRU long-range rocket platforms.

The planned development reflects France’s broader strategy to strengthen its artillery and precision strike capabilities in response to evolving security challenges in Europe and beyond. Officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining advanced deterrence tools as geopolitical tensions remain elevated.

The project is expected to involve close cooperation between industrial partners within France’s defence sector, leveraging Safran’s expertise in aerospace engineering and MBDA’s experience in missile systems development. The consortium approach is designed to ensure technological innovation while reinforcing Europe’s defence industrial base.

The Eurosatory defence fair provided the backdrop for the announcement, highlighting ongoing investments in next-generation military technologies by European governments. France has consistently positioned itself as a key advocate for strengthening European strategic autonomy in defence production.

Although financial and technical details of the program have not been fully disclosed, the initiative signals a long-term commitment to upgrading France’s long-range strike capabilities and maintaining competitiveness in advanced weapons systems.

Industry observers note that such programs typically require several years of development before operational deployment, involving extensive testing, integration, and coordination with existing military infrastructure.