“Precision in the Sky: Thales and ArianeGroup Achieve Landmark Land Strike Milestone for French Military Goals”

• Thales and ArianeGroup Break New Ground! On May 5, 2026, the two companies successfully conducted the inaugural firing of the revolutionary ballistic munition FLP-t 150 at the Ile du Levant test site, supported by the Missile Testing Division of the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA EM).
• This landmark flight test validates in-depth studies and underscores the significance of the complete system, which includes the innovative munition developed by Thales and ArianeGroup and a versatile ground launcher capable of handling both sovereign and foreign ammunition.
• The FLP-t 150 ballistic munition boasts an impressive operational range exceeding 150 km, showcasing advanced design choices and cutting-edge technologies. Its rear-mounted fin guidance system ensures exceptional accuracy, even in GNSS-jammed environments, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield.
• Designed to replace existing Unitary Rocket Launchers (LRU), this advanced sovereign solution aligns with the French military’s pressing requirements for high-intensity combat and sets the stage for next-generation ballistic missiles that effectively penetrate defense systems.

UAE, 13 May 2026 – A significant milestone has been achieved with the successful launch of the FLP-t 150 ballistic munition by Thales and ArianeGroup.

In this robust industrial partnership, Thales oversees the overall system, which includes the advanced ground launcher and fire control, while ArianeGroup focuses on developing cutting-edge propulsion and guidance systems for the munition.

The FLP-t 150 is at the pinnacle of artillery systems, incorporating modern technologies for propulsion, guidance, and control, derived directly from ballistic missile systems. This guided rocket achieves ranges beyond 150 km, delivering unparalleled precision even under challenging GNSS-jammed conditions.

The versatile X-Fire launcher will demonstrate its capabilities with initial firings by the end of May 2026. Its rapid deployment capability aligns perfectly with current military operational needs, ensuring high mobility and quick readiness for mission execution. The combination of the X-Fire system and the FLP-t 150 munition represents sovereignty, interoperability, and resilience:

• Sovereignty: Entirely designed and produced in France, this initiative is backed by a robust industrial network capable of meeting delivery timelines. Key production sites include Cholet, Élancourt, Gennevilliers, La Ferté Saint-Aubin, and Valence, alongside support from a network of French SMEs and mid-sized enterprises.
• Interoperability: The X-Fire system is compatible with both sovereign FLP-t munitions and foreign variants, enabling seamless operations with allied forces. Integration into firing automation and artillery communications is facilitated by Thales’ existing systems, while also accommodating future longer-range ballistic missiles for deep-strike capabilities.
• Resilience: The system excels in long-range firing with precision, even in contested environments, courtesy of the advanced Thales TopStar Smart Receiver. This device delivers essential operational functions like positioning, navigation, and time management, while providing exceptional resistance to jamming.

“This firing represents a turning point for long-range ground strikes and highlights the collaboration between Thales and ArianeGroup. Our joint solution stands out for its reliability and swift production capabilities. In a high-intensity context, the versatile and resilient X-Fire launcher is a clear advantage for the armed forces,” commented Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems at Thales.

“The FLP-t 150 rocket, with its extensive range and supersonic speeds, demonstrates the complexity involved in its technology. ArianeGroup leverages its expertise in ballistic systems to ensure a robust offering for sovereign defense,” stated Vincent Pery, Director of Defense Programs at ArianeGroup. “This successful firing at the DGA-EM site marks a significant achievement and enables us to advance system development with Thales in the next phase of the FLP-t program, paving the way for a conventional ballistic sector that meets tactical, operational, and strategic needs.”

¹Satellite-Based Geolocation and Navigation