France may transfer to Ukraine for combat testing a prototype of the new Thundart multiple launch rocket system, which is an analogue of the American HIMARS. This is reported by Defense Express, writes UNN.
Details
According to the publication, this will allow developers MBDA and Safran to test the system in real combat conditions and obtain for it the status of battle-proven weaponry. Information about the possible transfer, citing anonymous sources, was published by the French Aid to Europe account, but there is no official confirmation yet.
In June, France chose Thundart to replace the American M270 LRU. The rocket uses the guidance system from the AASM Hammer aerial bomb, which is already used by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the engine will be supplied by Roxel.
Defense Express notes that France plans to purchase only 13-26 launchers and 300 Thundart missiles by 2030. Since one launcher carries eight missiles, this stock will be enough for only 37.5 full salvoes.
According to the publication, this raises the question of whether Ukraine will receive a sufficient number of missiles for full-fledged combat testing. At the same time, France is interested in confirming the effectiveness of Thundart in combat conditions as soon as possible in order to promote the system on the international market.