THUNDART

Pooling expertise for accelerated development

THUNDART is the result of a deliberate pooling of complementary know-how to answer a clearly identified operational requirement: restoring and expanding long-range land strike capabilities for the armed forces. 

Resulting from complementary expertise of MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense, THUNDART is the right answer to  the Long-Range Land Strike (Frappe longue portée terrestre - FLP-T) program launched by the DGA, the French Defence Procurement Agency. Drawing on MBDA’s recognized experience in Battlefield and Tactical Strike systems, propulsion technologies and industrial-scale munition production, and Safran’s mastery of resilient guidance and navigation , THUNDART is a mature, sovereign solution.

The next-generation artillery system tailored to strike deeper

THUNDART is a complete artillery system, comprising a launcher with an integrated turret and fire control, two munition pods with 4 guided rockets each. Designed for ground-to-ground engagements far beyond  capabilities of in-service system with a range of 150km, it offers increased firepower and saturation capability while maintaining a high level of precision even in contested environments.

Survivability is at the core of the concept, with rapid “shoot and scoot” firing and withdrawal to avoid counter-battery fire. The guidance kit, directly derived from the AASM Hammer already in service on Rafale jet fighter, ensures accelerated development and robustness. THUNDARTS’s long-range aero-propulsive performance, combined with resilient INS/GNSS guidance, allows it to engage fixed or moving targets, even in GNSS-denied or jammed environments. The system is fully autonomous, off-road capable, and interoperable with Armed forces’ information systems such as ATLAS. THUNDART is a unique solution tailored for Battlefield missions in all scenarios and contested environments, including high-intensity conflicts.

MBDA Agility Driving Armed Forces Modernisation

Recent conflicts have driven armed forces to rethink their artillery doctrines regarding the evolving nature of threats. In a high intensity scenario with air supremacy not granted, ground to ground long range strike capability becomes once again paramount. With current unitary rocket launchers limited in range and approaching obsolescence, responsiveness and adaptability are critical. THUNDART embodies the agility of MBDA and Safran in addressing these challenges: rapid development based on proven technologies, full sovereignty, ITAR-free exportability and absolute control over future evolutions. Production sites identified in France will ensure security of supply and scalability. As the only long-range land strike system designed and produced in Europe, THUNDART strengthens strategic autonomy while delivering the precision, resilience, and reactivity required to face tomorrow’s operational challenges.