France equips Rafale with low-cost rockets to tackle Shahed-style drone threats
France has successfully integrated low-cost, laser-guided 68mm rockets onto its Rafale fighter jets to counter the threat of inexpensive one-way attack drones. This initiative, known as the Ladac program, aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional air-to-air missiles.
Why it matters
This represents a shift in military strategy to address the proliferation of cheap, mass-produced drone threats in modern warfare.
France has successfully integrated 68mm laser-guided rockets onto its Rafale fighter jet, adding a lower-cost weapon designed to counter the growing threat from drones. The move comes as air forces increasingly look for affordable alternatives to expensive air-to-air missiles amid the rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial threats.The program is known as Lutte anti-drone sur avion de combat (Ladac) programme, developed to provide the French Air and Space Force with an effective and affordable anti-drone capability.Rapid anti-drone upgradeAccording to a statement issued by France's DGA carried by French media outlet, Mer et Marine, the integration work was carried out in partnership with the French Air and Space Force's Centre d'expertise aérienne militaire (Ceam), with support from Dassault Aviation and Thales.On July 7, 2026, the DGA successfully completed the integration test campaign for 68mm laser-guided rockets on the Rafale fighter aircraft.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in