As part of its military capabilities modernization, France is actively seeking a successor to the LRU M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) currently in service, as reported by La Lettre on May 13, 2024. In response to this call for tenders issued by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), Thales has announced its alliance with ArianeGroup to propose a long-range artillery solution. This new partnership faces competition from the tandem formed by Safran and MBDA.
General Pierre Schill, Chief of Staff of the Army, presented the requirements for the new system in November, which is set to replace the nine remaining LRU units after six were given to Ukraine, during a session of the National Assembly’s Defense Committee. Currently capable of hitting targets at a distance of 70 km, these systems will now need to reach distances of 120 to 150 km, or even up to 500 km.
The LRU M270, or Lance-Roquettes Unitaire, is the French modernized version of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270, initially developed in the United States. Production began in the 1980s and it was introduced into the French Army in the early 1990s. The system was upgraded to become the LRU, incorporating technological improvements to meet contemporary needs.
The LRU can launch guided rockets to a maximum distance of 70 km, providing precise and rapid firepower. It is mounted on a tracked chassis, giving it mobility over various terrains. The system is designed to deliver long-range artillery strikes, allowing for the neutralization of strategic targets while maintaining a safe distance. However, the French Army is now seeking a more advanced system capable of reaching targets up to 500 km, in response to evolving military needs.
Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has expressed a preference for developing a sovereign system but has not ruled out acquiring the American HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). The timeline for development and the added value of this French solution compared to the many market alternatives remain open questions.