Thales Unveils RapidStriker Mobile Air Defense System Integrating Drone Radar and Laser-Guided Rockets
French defense giant Thales has officially unveiled the RapidStriker mobile air defense system at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. Mounted on an Arquus Sherpa armored vehicle, the system integrates the IRIS Drone Radar with a detection range of 5 to 12 km and carries 24 × 70 mm FZ275 LGR laser-guided rockets with an effective range of 7 km, designed to counter drone and low-altitude aerial threats.
Highlights
- Thales unveiled the RapidStriker mobile air defense system at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, mounted on an Arquus Sherpa armored vehicle for rapid deployment.
- The system integrates the Thales IRIS Drone Radar with a detection range of 5 to 12 km to identify and track low-altitude drone threats.
- RapidStriker carries 24 × 70 mm FZ275 LGR laser-guided rockets with an effective engagement range of 7 km, plus unguided 68 mm and 70 mm rocket options.
- Thales simultaneously debuted the LGR275 Proxy, a new proximity-fuze rocket variant that detonates near aerial targets to increase counter-drone lethality without a direct hit.
- The launch positions Thales in the growing C-UAS and short-range air defense market driven by the widespread use of drones in modern conflicts.
Thales Unveils RapidStriker Mobile Air Defense System Designed for Counter-Drone Operations
French defense and technology group Thales has officially presented its new RapidStriker mobile air defense system at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. The system is mounted on an Arquus Sherpa armored vehicle, providing high mobility and rapid deployment capability.
Core Sensor: IRIS Drone Radar
RapidStriker integrates Thales's own IRIS Drone Radar, reported to have a detection range of 5 to 12 km, enabling the system to identify and track low-altitude drones and other aerial threats.
Armament: Laser-Guided Rockets as Primary Weapon
For engagement capability, RapidStriker is equipped with a launcher carrying 24 × 70 mm FZ275 LGR laser-guided rockets, with an effective range reportedly reaching 7 km. The system also supports the firing of unguided 68 mm and 70 mm rockets, offering additional operational flexibility.
New Proximity-Fuze Rocket Variant Also Debuted
Alongside RapidStriker, Thales simultaneously introduced the LGR275 Proxy, a new rocket variant fitted with a proximity fuze designed to detonate upon approaching an aerial target. This capability improves kill probability against small aerial vehicles such as drones without requiring a direct hit.
Background: Surging Demand for Air Defense Against Drone Threats
The widespread use of drones in modern conflicts has driven rapidly growing demand for mobile, cost-effective air defense solutions. The launch of RapidStriker signals Thales's active positioning in the counter-UAS (C-UAS) and short-range air defense market, addressing the increasingly complex threat environment on the contemporary battlefield.
Image credit / copyright: Thales
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