The FLP-t 150 ballistic munition represents the upper echelon of artillery systems.
Two French companies have successfully tested a new type of ballistic munition. Thales and ArianeGroup recently conducted the first firing of the FLP-t 150 ballistic munition.
The weapon has an operational range of 92 miles (150 kms) and has strong potential for precise terminal maneuvers.
This test confirms the design choices, technologies, and performance capabilities of the ballistic munition FLP-t 150.
Improved capability
The system is aimed at replacing the Unitary Rocket Launchers (LRU). The ballistic munition meets the current requirements of the French forces for high-intensity combat. The munition paves the way for longer-range ballistic missiles with improved capability to penetrate defence systems.
“This firing marks a decisive milestone for long-range land strikes and is the result of collaborative work between Thales and ArianeGroup,” said Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales.
“The key differentiators of our joint offering are the reliability of the solution and our ability to deliver quickly and to ramp up production. In a high-intensity context, the sovereign, versatile and resilient X-Fire launcher represents a clear asset for the armed forces.”
Thales is responsible for the development of the overall system – including the ground launcher, fire control and launch system – while ArianeGroup develops the propulsion and guidance systems for the munition.
Propulsion, control derived from ballistic missile systems
The FLP-t 150 ballistic munition represents the upper echelon of artillery systems. Its technologies – propulsion, guidance, and control – are derived from ballistic missile systems. The guided rocket can deliver the precision and robustness required even in GNSS-jammed environments, according to a press release.
The companies are also preparing the X-Fire launcher for the trial.
The versatile, interoperable X-Fire launcher will conduct its first demonstration firings by the end of May 2026. Its rapid-deployment capability makes it highly compatible to current operational needs of the armies. Extremely mobile, it can be quickly deployed, which makes it particularly suitable for current missions. The X-Fire system and its FLP-t 150 ballistic munition combines sovereignty, interoperability and resilience, according to a press release.
“With its apogees reaching several tens of kilometres, its largely supersonic speeds, and the trajectory and maneuvering constraints during both the powered and terminal phases, the FLP-t 150 rocket requires technologies derived from our expertise in ballistic systems,” said Vincent Pery, Director of Defense Programs at ArianeGroup.
“It is within this technological continuity that ArianeGroup brings its unique European expertise to the service of sovereign defence. This first successful firing at the DGA-EM test site on Ile du Levant demonstrates the quality of our offering and our ability to effectively continue system development with our partner Thales in the next phase of the FLP-t programme.”
Pery also revealed that the test opens a new perspective for establishing a conventional ballistic sector that addresses tactical, operational, and strategic capability needs.
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Prabhat, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, is a tech and defense journalist. While he enjoys writing on modern weapons and emerging tech, he has also reported on global politics and business. He has been previously associated with well-known media houses, including the International Business Times (Singapore Edition) and ANI.