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France picks Safran, MBDA to build new long-range rocket - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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France picks Safran, MBDA to build new long-range rocket

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 15, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: June 15, 2026

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France Chooses Safran and MBDA to Develop Next-Generation Long-Range Rocket

France Initiates Development of Successor to Long-Range Rocket System

Exclusive Negotiations with Safran and MBDA

PARIS, June 15 (Reuters) - French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Monday that France had entered into exclusive negotiations with a consortium made up of Safran and European missile maker MBDA to develop a successor to its long-range rocket system.

Announcement at Eurosatory Defence Fair

Speaking at the Eurosatory defence fair, Vautrin said France wanted to equip itself with a new deep-strike capability to replace its LRU long-range rockets. 

Reporting and Editorial Credits

(Reporting by Florence Loeve. Writing by Hugo Lhomedet; Edited by Dominique Patton)

Key Takeaways

  • France’s Ministry of Armed Forces, led by Catherine Vautrin, has begun exclusive negotiations with Safran and MBDA for the development of a successor to the Lance Roquettes Unitaires (LRU) long‑range rocket system, aiming to enhance deep‑strike capability.
  • The joint venture, featuring the THUNDART rocket with a range of approximately 150 km, conducted its first successful test firing on April 14, 2026, and aims for initial operational capability by 2029 and deliveries by 2030, amid increasing concern over the retirement of LRU launchers and shrinking rocket stocks.
  • MBDA is planning €2 billion in investments in France between 2026 and 2030 and a 40% increase in production in 2026 compared to 2025, while Safran has already quadrupled production of its AASM guidance kits between 2022 and 2025, signaling strong industrial readiness for ramp‑up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies has France chosen to develop its new long-range rocket?
France has entered exclusive negotiations with a consortium of Safran and MBDA to develop a successor to its current long-range rocket system.
What system will the new French rocket replace?
The new rocket will replace France's LRU long-range rocket system.
Who announced the decision to select Safran and MBDA?
The decision was announced by French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin at the Eurosatory defence fair.
What is the purpose of the new rocket system for France?
France aims to equip itself with a new deep-strike capability by developing the new rocket system.

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