Created by the alliance between MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense, THUNDART is part of the Long-Range Land Strike (FLP-T) programme, a 100% French programme initiated by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) in 2023. Demonstration firings are planned for mid-2026.
This is a solution based on maturity. THUNDART, the next-generation artillery system, built mainly around a 150-kilometre range ground-to-ground rocket, was first presented at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in 2024. Europe’s leading missile maker, MBDA, already possesses recognised expertise in land combat systems, deep strike, and the capacity to mass-produce munitions of this size. Safran Electronics & Defense, meanwhile, brings robust experience thanks to its modular air-to ground AASM, which enables it to offer a very similar guidance kit for THUNDART.
A rapid response to new battlefield challenges
In a context where the war in Ukraine is pushing European countries to rearm, the French Army is reviewing its whole approach to defence. To date, it has 9 unitary launchers (LRUs) capable of hitting targets up to 70 kilometres away. The lessons learned from the Ukrainian context in particular are now motivating it to identify technological avenues that will expand its strike capabilities. At the same time, the LRUs in service will become obsolete in the coming years, prompting the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to launch the FLP-T programme in 2023, to which MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense have responded, aimed at delivering an operational solution before 2030. Both groups already possess the necessary critical technologies, skills, and industrial resources. The next step will be the demonstration firings in mid-2026.
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Download free sample pages More informationEuropean independence and sovereignty
Safran Electronics & Defense and MBDA have been working together since 2024 to respond to this call for partnerships. The two groups presented THUNDART for the first time at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in June 2024, with the watchword “sovereignty”. This system ensures complete freedom in the event of conflict, the export of equipment (ITAR free), and absolute control over future developments, as well as production. The production sites are already identified in France. MBDA can count on its factories in the Centre-Val de Loire region, which are geared up for the mass production of tactical ammunition in this format. THUNDART is the only solution of its kind produced in Europe.
A system adapted to the needs of the armed forces
Technically, the system provides increased firepower, saturation capability and the responsiveness required for high-intensity conflict. It will be off-road capable, autonomous, and resilient to temperature changes. THUNDART will address fixed or movable targets and will be able to connect to the Army’s information systems, in particular the ATLAS fire control system. The fire control system will be adapted to the one designed by Safran Electronics & Defense that is currently used on the CAESAR howitzer.
