French defense firm Thales has announced a fivefold increase in its rocket production to meet the needs of European armed forces.
The company said a new assembly line was launched in Belgium to facilitate increased manufacturing for its 70-millimeter laser-guided rockets.
Thales produces 1,000 guided rockets per year, but it aims to make it 5,000 by 2025.
The firm said it hired dozens more personnel and strengthened the supply chain to support the planned increase.
“The higher production rates will make it possible to respond faster to the ammunition requirements of the armed forces,” it stated.
Growing Demand
Widely used in Ukraine, the NATO-standard 70mm rocket reportedly offers a high level of interoperability and resistance to jamming.
It can be deployed by various types of manned and unmanned platforms — either 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.
Because of its apparent success in Ukraine, Belgian Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder said the demand for 70mm rockets is rapidly growing.
“The expansion of the 70mm rocket production line responds to rapidly growing international demand, as well as to the needs of defense, due to a worrying global security situation,” she said.
“In the face of today’s geopolitical challenges, this initiative contributes to strengthening Belgium’s strategic autonomy and guaranteeing peace and security in Europe.”