Thales supplies a 70-mm semi-active laser guided rocket with a fragmentation warhead (≈24 m lethal cloud), ramping to ~10,000/yr — low-cost precision for counter-drone and light-target roles.
Key specs
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Warhead: fragmentation (thousands of steel balls) → lethal cloud ≈ 24 m
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Guidance: semi-active laser homing (target must be illuminated)
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Max effective range: ~3 km
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Production: ~3.5k by year-end, target ~10k/year (2026)
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Cost: APKWS-range (~tens of thousands USD per round)
Strengths (why use it)
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Affordable precision — cheaper than missiles, suitable for mass employment.
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Very effective vs small UAVs, loitering munitions, light vehicles, soft/area targets.
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Can be integrated on helicopters, light aircraft, pods — potential UAV carriage.
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High production runway → scalable logistics.
Limitations & risks
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Requires continuous laser designation (designator must keep target lit).
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Weather/obscurants (smoke, dust, fog) degrade performance.
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Fragmentation creates collateral risk in populated areas.
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Not optimal vs highly maneuverable, hardened, or electronically protected targets.
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ITAR/parts dependency may affect long-term sustainment (if applicable).
Tactical recommendations (short)
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Pair rockets with mobile designators — handheld, vehicle-mounted, or UAV-mounted designators for redundancy.
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Train designation handovers (designator → shooter → backup) and laser discipline under stress.
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Use in permissive standoff zones or controlled battlefields where collateral is acceptable.
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Integrate into layered C-UAS: short/cheap guided rockets + kinetic interceptors + EW.
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Weather plan: avoid commitment in heavy smoke/fog; have alternative engagement options.
Immediate action checklist (do this now)
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Procure sample batch for field testing.
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Field 2 types of designators (one handheld, one UAV/vehicle).
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Run live-fire drills focusing on designation handovers and ROE.
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Update logistics: storage, handling, spare parts, safety distances.
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Issue ROE guidance on fragmentation use near civilian areas.
For planners & logisticians
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Stockpile production forecasts and storage safety data sheets.
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Plan training syllabi (designators + shooters + fire control).
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Budget for continuing supply (consumables scale rapidly with mass use).
