France has opened exclusive negotiations with MBDA and Safran for its new long-range artillery system, a move that pushes Lockheed Martin and its HIMARS offer out of contention. The FLP-T programme aims to replace the ageing LRU fleet with the Thundart rocket, a 227mm guided round built for sovereign deep-strike without ITAR constraints.
The system is planned to deliver about 150km range from existing launchers, with later growth potential well beyond that through land-cruise integration. Deliveries could start in 2029, before operational capability before 2030, but the gap between LRU retirement in 2027 and fielding remains a live risk for the French army.
The decision locks France deeper into an all-European strike architecture.