France Validates Counter-UAS Kit for Rafale Fighter, Using 68mm Rockets to Intercept Shahed Drones
France has validated a Counter-UAS (C-UAS) weapons kit designed for the Rafale multirole fighter, enabling it to intercept and destroy Shahed-type attack drones using 68mm unguided or semi-guided rockets. The development reflects NATO allies' push for cost-effective air-launched counter-drone solutions against low-cost drone swarms.
Highlights
- France has formally validated a C-UAS weapons kit for the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, enabling air-launched interception of Shahed-type attack drones.
- The kit uses 68mm rockets — a significantly cheaper alternative to air-to-air missiles — making it cost-effective against mass low-cost drone swarms.
- The Shahed-136, an Iranian-made loitering munition widely used in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is identified as the primary target for this capability.
- The integration reflects a growing NATO trend of embedding counter-drone systems into existing manned combat aircraft platforms.
- Dassault Aviation's Rafale now expands its mission profile to include multi-domain C-UAS operations alongside its traditional air superiority and strike roles.
France Validates Counter-UAS Kit for Rafale Fighter to Hunt Shahed Drones with 68mm Rockets
France has formally validated a Counter-UAS (C-UAS) weapons kit designed for the Dassault Rafale multirole fighter, giving the advanced jet the capability to intercept and destroy Shahed-type attack drones in the air.
68mm Rockets as the Answer to Low-Cost Attack Drones
At the core of the kit are 68mm rockets — unguided or semi-guided air-launched munitions. Compared to costly air-to-air missiles, 68mm rockets are significantly cheaper, making them far more economical for engaging large waves of low-cost attack drones such as the Shahed-136, the Iranian-manufactured loitering munition widely deployed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Responding to the Modern Drone Threat
Combat experience from the war in Ukraine has demonstrated that mass drone swarms pose a serious challenge to traditional air defence systems. Intercepting such drones with conventional surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles is highly cost-ineffective. France's move signals that NATO allies are actively pursuing more economical C-UAS solutions and integrating counter-drone capabilities into existing frontline combat aircraft.
A New Role for the Rafale
Built by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale has traditionally excelled in ground attack, air superiority, and nuclear deterrence missions. The integration of a C-UAS kit marks an expansion of the aircraft's role in multi-domain operations, enhancing the flexibility of France and its allies in countering asymmetric drone threats.
This development also reflects a broader trend in global defence: the integration of counter-drone weapon systems onto manned combat aircraft is fast becoming a critical element of modern air warfare.
Source: Naval Technology
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