Thales to increase rocket production fivefold to meet European demand

French defense company Thales has announcement a fivefold increase in its rocket production to meet the needs of European armed forces.

The company said a new assembly line was recently launched in Belgium to facilitate increased manufacturing of its 70-millimeter laser-guided rockets.

Thales produces 1,000 guided rockets per year, but aims for 5,000 by 2025.

The company said it has hired dozens of additional people and strengthened the supply chain to support the planned increase.

“The higher production rates will allow us to respond more quickly to the ammunition needs of the armed forces,” he said.

Growing demand

Widely used in Ukraine, the standard 70mm NATO missile is said to offer a high level of interoperability and resistance to jamming.

It can be deployed by different types of manned and unmanned platforms, whether on land, in the air or at sea.

The weapon can also be used for counter-drone operations and to support ground-to-ground strike missions.

Due to its apparent success in Ukraine, the Belgian Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder said that the demand for 70mm rockets is growing rapidly, not only in Europe, but also internationally.

“The expansion of the 70mm rocket production line meets rapidly growing international demand, as well as defense needs, due to a worrying global security situation,” she said.

“Faced with current geopolitical challenges, this initiative contributes to strengthening Belgium’s strategic autonomy and guaranteeing peace and security in Europe.”