Story perspectives

France Tests 150-km Rocket Launcher, Boosts Defense €36B by 2030

5/12/2026

Summary

Thales/ArianeGroup Test

Thales Group and ArianeGroup conducted the test firing of the FLP-T 150 rocket launcher.
The test confirmed the FLP-T 150, capable of launching rockets beyond 150 kilometres (93 miles), is operational.
France will add 36 billion euros ($39 billion) to its defence budget by 2030.
Officials linked the spending surge to wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and to uncertainty over U.S. NATO commitments under President Donald Trump, despite a euro-zone deficit.

Summary

Thales Down-selects Rocket

A down-select between the FLP-t 150 and Thundart rocket will occur later in 2026, with service entry planned for 2030.
Both weapons are 100 % French-designed and ITAR-free, easing export prospects.
The FLP-t 150 was test-fired on 14 April 2026 at Île du Levant, the same range used for Thundart.
Thales’ X-Fire launcher can fire sovereign or foreign rockets, integrates with ATLAS, and its commercial name will be announced at Eurosatory in June 2026.

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Thales/ArianeGroup Test

Thales Group and ArianeGroup conducted the test firing of the FLP-T 150 rocket launcher.
The test confirmed the FLP-T 150, capable of launching rockets beyond 150 kilometres (93 miles), is operational.
France will add 36 billion euros ($39 billion) to its defence budget by 2030.
Officials linked the spending surge to wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and to uncertainty over U.S. NATO commitments under President Donald Trump, despite a euro-zone deficit.

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