Olga Koval13:16, 11.03.26

France will test a prototype of the FLP-T missile in the coming months, which could be a significant competitor to HIMARS

French ArianeGroup has shown off its FLP-T precision-guided missile, which is expected to be a counterpart to the American ER GMLRS. The first demonstration is expected to be ready in the first half of 2026, meaning tests should begin in the coming months.

For the new weapons, which are being developed in partnership with Thales, sub-decametric accuracy is claimed, i.e. less than 10 m. Resistance to suppression and electronic warfare is also declared, writes Defence.ua .

In general, this should be an ammunition for a potential French MLRS, which will be an analogue of the American M142 HIMARS. It is emphasized that the development will be ITAR-Free, that is, it will not depend on permits and restrictions from the United States.

The ability to deliver high-precision strikes to a depth of up to 150 km is very important on the modern battlefield and allows strikes on targets in the enemy’s close rear. Currently, there are no corresponding missile systems of domestic production in Europe.

European countries mostly choose either the American M142 HIMARS or the South Korean K239 Chunmoo. At the same time, some, such as Germany, have adopted the Israeli PULS, which with localization became EuroPULS and Mars 3.

However, France insists on its own sovereign decision, within the framework of which the FLP-T is being developed. In addition to the already mentioned ArianeGroup and Thales, a similar Thundart missile is being created in this project by MBDA and Safran and even demonstrated in December 2025.

Although the exact launch pad for the project has not yet been decided, the French defense industry is proposing the Foudre from Turgis Gaillard, which will receive a fire control system from Airbus. However, there is also talk that they may buy the Indian Pinaka or simply integrate missiles from there.

Previously, ArianeGroup and Thales were said to be working on a rocket with a range of over 300 km, but now it is reported to be 150 km. So now it seems they will have to compete with Thundart, which is in the same niche.

(C)UNIAN 2026