New Longer-Range Alternative to HIMARS Revealed: French Thunder Rocket

European defense firm MBDA has publicly revealed its Thundart surface-to-surface missile for the first time, marking the rapid development of a longer-range tactical strike system for Frances land forces. Designed as a French-made counterpart to the U.S. Armys HIMARS, Thundart highlights the increasing European focus on precision long-range artillery.

The Thundart 227mm guided rocket, shown in a test version, was shared by MBDA on social media. This debut coincides with Saint Barbaras Day on December 4, traditionally celebrated in France as the patron saint of artillery personnel.

The missile is part of Frances Long-Range Land Strike (FLP-T) program, launched in 2023 by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA). With a target range of 150 kilometers (93 miles), the program includes two industrial teams: MBDA with Safran developing Thundart, and another partnership of Thales and ArianeGroup working on an alternative system.

Early images depict Thundart being launched from a wheeled vehicle. Work began in late 2023, and a mockup was presented at Eurosatory 2024. The missile uses a guidance system similar to Safrans AASM Hammer rocket-assisted bombs, combining GPS-assisted inertial navigation with optional imaging infrared or semi-active laser modes. These features enable strikes against moving targets and improve accuracy in GPS-denied environments. The fire-control system is derived from the French Armys CAESAR self-propelled howitzer, a platform with combat experience in Ukraine.

The FLP-T program expects demonstration firings by mid-2026 to determine which system France will adopt or whether it will purchase an off-the-shelf solution. This accelerated timeline aims to replace the current Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU), a modified M270 MLRS that only fires 227mm rockets. Existing MLRS rockets reach up to 70 kilometers, while ATACMS missiles extend to 300 kilometers, depending on the variant. France plans to retire its nine LRU systems in 2027.

Frances 20242030 defense budget allocates 600 million for FLP-T, targeting at least 13 systems by 2030 and 26 to equip a full battalion by 2035. French military leadership considers the capability essential, but export potential remains uncertain, as some European countries continue to favor U.S.-made systems like HIMARS.

Other European programs are also in development, including Germanys Europeanized PULS system, Rheinmetall and Lockheed Martins GMARS, and Polands Chunmoo-derived Homar-K. Thundart, however, will be ITAR-free, allowing export without U.S. approval, a significant advantage for international sales.

Looking ahead, France is exploring even longer-range options, potentially hypersonic systems reaching 5001,000 kilometers. The European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA), involving France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and later Sweden and the U.K., seeks weapons with ranges of 1,0002,000 kilometers. MBDA has proposed its Land Cruise Missile as a near-term solution.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and evolving European security threats underscore the need for land-based strike systems beyond the 70-kilometer reach of current MLRS. FLP-T aims to provide enhanced firepower, mobility, rapid responsiveness, and autonomy in support and logistics, while also allowing scalable production to meet high-intensity scenarios.

Despite the ambitious schedule, France may choose Thundart, the Thales/ArianeGroup solution, or an off-the-shelf system. Regardless, the initiative reflects the growing European emphasis on long-range, precise, and domestically produced artillery capabilities.

Author: Chloe Ramirez