“Foudre” is a French rocket system developed by Turgis & Gaillard, a company specialized in advanced weapons systems development and manufacturing. It is designed to have long-range strike capability with high tactical flexibility.

The system is mounted on a truck equipped with an armored cabin protected against threats. It is air-transportable, adapted for off-road operations, and operates with “shoot and scoot” tactics to maintain survivability on the battlefield.

What is the Foudre system?

The “Foudre” system—French for “lightning”—is a multiple rocket launcher developed by the French company Turgis & Gaillard, first showcased at the Paris Air Show in June 2025.

According to the company, the system is a long-range strike platform combining power and precision, integrated with battlefield information systems for target identification and processing, capable of rapid movement, easy maintenance, support, and air transport.

“Foudre” is intended to replace the old Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) developed by the French army in the late 1980s, which were artillery platforms capable of launching a large number of rockets rapidly at distant targets.

Specifications

    • Chassis: Mounted on a six-wheeled tactical truck.
    • Launcher container: Launch platform holding 6 rockets.
    • Munition range: From 75 kilometers up to over 1000 kilometers, depending on the rocket type, with a variety of warheads.
    • Launch system: Advanced digital fire control system.
    • Navigation: Inertial navigation system operating with GPS.
    • Weight: Total system weight is 25,000 kilograms.
    • Off-road capability: Suitable for rough terrain, enhanced with central tire inflation system.
    • Survivability tactics: Operates with “shoot and scoot” maneuvering.
    • Transportability: Air-transportable by C-130 Hercules and A400M Atlas aircraft.

Capabilities

The “Foudre” system is mounted on a Renault Kerax 6×6 truck chassis, featuring strong off-road capabilities thanks to its six-wheel drive and central tire inflation system. It can also move at high speeds on paved roads, providing great tactical and strategic flexibility.

Regarding armament, the system can carry up to six precision munitions of various types, including guided rockets with a range of 75 kilometers, tactical rockets with a 150-kilometer range, ballistic rockets with a 300-kilometer range, and cruise missiles exceeding 1000 kilometers in range.

The system is equipped with next-generation batteries allowing it to remain stationary for long periods with the engine off, reducing electromagnetic signatures while ensuring readiness for immediate strikes when needed.

It also features a rapid reload system; when rearming is necessary, the vehicle moves to a cache with ready-to-use ammunition, reloads within minutes, and resumes its mission while quickly relocating within the operational area.

The armored cabin, equipped against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, protects the crew from enemy artillery fire and harsh combat environments.

Experts note that the “Foudre” design is very close to the concept of the American “HIMARS” system, as it is a mobile launch platform on a truck capable of air transport and uses interchangeable ammunition pods, potentially making it a strong competitor.