French defense contractors Thales and ArianeGroup announced this month they have completed the inaugural test launch of their new long-range rocket launcher system, the FLP-t 150.
The companies released a joint statement confirming the successful trial, saying “This first flight test validates the studies and underscores the value this first complete system offered.”
According to the announcement, the new rocket launcher system is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 150 kilometers, or approximately 93 miles.
The successful test comes as France continues to expand its military capabilities amid growing global security concerns. Last month, French officials announced plans to increase defense spending by an additional 36 billion euros, equivalent to about $39 billion, through 2030.
This significant budget increase is part of France’s updated military planning legislation, which aims to expand the country’s nuclear weapons capabilities while also increasing missile and drone inventories.
France is moving forward with these defense investments despite facing one of the largest budget deficits in the eurozone. Officials cite increasing security threats from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as questions about future U.S. involvement in NATO under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
ArianeGroup, which partnered on the rocket launcher project, is jointly owned by aerospace companies Airbus and Safran.
