Eurosatory 2026: Thales Unveils RapidStriker Counter-UAS Weapon Station and 70mm Laser-Guided Rocket

Thales Unveils RapidStriker Counter-UAS Weapon Station and Next-Generation 70mm Laser-Guided Rocket at Eurosatory 2026

Thales has officially unveiled two new counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition, reinforcing its comprehensive counter-drone combat capabilities.

RapidStriker: Integrated Rapid-Response Counter-UAS Weapon Station

RapidStriker is a modular, scalable counter-UAS solution that combines advanced 360° all-around detection, an automated fire control system, and drone neutralization capability. The system is designed to give forces a rapid, precise, and agile response to high-intensity modern aerial threats.

The station integrates multiple effectors — including rockets, small-caliber cannons, and loitering munitions — enabling complementary and layered engagement options. RapidStriker can be fitted to any type of high-mobility combat vehicle, including the BushMaster Utility variant, which made its public debut alongside RapidStriker at Eurosatory on 15 June 2026.

The system can also be seamlessly integrated into broader air defense architectures and is fully interoperable with Thales's SkyDefender integrated air defense and missile system.

LGR275 Proxy: Next-Generation 70mm Laser-Guided Proximity Rocket

Thales simultaneously introduced the LGR275 Proxy (Laser Guided Rocket Proxy), a next-generation 70mm laser-guided rocket purpose-built for counter-UAS operations.

Equipped with a proximity sensor, the LGR275 Proxy is designed for precise and effective neutralization of a wide range of drone threats. Thales stated: "This innovation addresses a critical need to balance cost and effectiveness in counter-drone operations, offering a sustainable and economically viable solution to current threats."

The rocket further strengthens the SkyDefender multi-layered, cross-domain integrated air defense missile defense dome.

Thales noted that in active conflict zones, Class 1 and Class 2 drones have fundamentally transformed modern warfare, exposing the limitations of conventional air defense systems. The LGR275 Proxy was developed specifically to address this urgent need and restore cost-effectiveness in counter-UAS operations.

"This system builds on Thales's already operationally proven counter-UAS laser-guided rocket and helps address the growing imbalance between interception costs and operational efficiency — a challenge that can rapidly deplete ammunition stockpiles, strain defense budgets, and undermine sustained combat capability in high-intensity drone warfare," the company explained.

The LGR275 Proxy combines a proximity sensor with a military-grade warhead optimized against aerial targets, significantly improving the probability of intercept against small unmanned aerial systems.

Image credit: Thales

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