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Thales Completes X-Fire Launcher Firings in France’s FLP-T Race

May 26, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firings.
X-Fire is part of France's FLP-T program.
System can fire both French and foreign munitions.
Thales faces competition from MBDA and Safran.

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Strategic Implications

Thales' successful firing may indicate a strong position in the FLP-T competition, which could strengthen France's independent defense capabilities. The ability to fire both sovereign and foreign munitions suggests flexibility, which may be attractive to the French military, but the outcome of the competition remains uncertain.

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What Happened

French Defense Electronics Company Advances Bid for Long-Range Strike Capability

Thales has successfully completed the first firings of its X-Fire ground-based long-range strike launcher, advancing its bid to replace the French Army’s aging fleet of Lance-Roquettes Unitaires (LRU) multiple rocket launchers. The trial employed the Thales X-Fum 68mm induction rocket, validating the launcher and giving French units hands-on familiarization. The X-Fire system is developed in partnership with Soframe as part of France’s Frappe Longue Portée terrestre (FLP-T) program, with a winner expected later in 2026, as reported by AeroTime.

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