France has begun developing a new guided 68mm rocket for counter-drone operations.
Army Recognition reported on this.
The system is being developed for the Dassault Rafale fighter jet and the Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter.
The purpose of the new weapon is to close the “gap” in air defense between autocannons and rockets. This is an intermediate engagement zone where the use of expensive rockets is inefficient, and cannons have limited range.
The French development will be an analog of the US APKWS system. It uses a semi-active laser-guided seeker. This approach significantly reduces cost by combining a low-cost guidance kit with a standard unguided rocket.
The Ministry of the Armed Forces of France describes the project as a response to lessons from modern conflicts, where mass drone attacks pose a significant threat.
The missile will be integrated into existing 68-mm launch pods. This allows up to 24 rockets to be carried on a single aircraft or several dozen on a helicopter. However, this caliber is not compatible with the US 70-mm APKWS rocket pods widely used in Europe.
Field tests are scheduled for summer 2026. If successful, initial systems could be delivered shortly afterward.
Militarnyi previously reported that Paris has raised concerns over the high expenditure of MICA air-to-air missiles during interceptions of Iranian drones in the Middle East.
In a short period, Rafale pilots destroyed several dozen Shahed drones. The intensive use of these missiles is rapidly depleting stockpiles, negatively affecting the combat capability of the French Air and Space Force.
French forces are also using Tiger helicopters for counter-drone operations. Recently released footage shows helicopters engaging drones with cannon fire. These aircraft can also use Mistral missiles.
Previously, Militarnyi reported that BAE Systems in the UK has begun integration tests of the Typhoon fighter jet with APKWS missiles.
Test flights are being conducted at the company’s airfield in Warton, where the aircraft is produced. The aircraft shown is an FGR.4 version (serial number ZK356) in the livery of No. 41 Squadron, the weapons test and integration unit.
