Turgis & Gaillard on 17 June 2025 debuted the Foudre, new truck mounter multiple rocket launcher system at the Paris Air Show.
The system is integrated on to the Renault Kerax 6×6 tactical truck chassis equipped with an armoured cab. The launcher accepts a modular rocket pod carrying one to six rockets. The system is compatible with a range of existing munitions. These include 227 mm precision-guided rockets like the M31 GMLRS, tactical missiles such as ATACMS, ballistic missiles like the US PRSM, and advanced cruise missiles. Ranges of these munitions are from 75km to over 1000 km with a range of warheads. It has a digital fire control system, onboard inertial navigation and positioning, GPs, and can network and integrate with NATO command and control.
The system has a weight of 25,000 kg and can be drive in loaded and airlifted by C130 and A400M. The cab protects against small arms, artillery fragment, and is CBR protected. The system has onboard power allowing independent operation. The vehicle is off-road capable which is enhanced by central tire inflation (CTIS). This allows the Foudre to conduct “shoot-and-scoot” tactics which have been demonstrated in Ukraine as essential to assuring weapon survivability on the battlefield.
The Foudre offers an equivalent to the US M142 HIMARS which has been proven successful in a number of conflicts including in use by Ukraine. The M142 manufactured by Lockheed-Martin and using the US FMTV tactical truck has proved popular with a number of armies. This demand caused the company to move toward increasing its production in 2024 to nearly ninety-six units.
Still timely delivery remains an issue with Estonia and others expressing concern over extended lead times. The US Government halting of HIMARS support to Ukraine in March 2025 also contributes to concern over the reliability of HIMARS support.
The French Foudre offers an alternative that may be more readily available with reduced risk of outside restraints. Other equivalent capabilities are provided in the PULS launcher from Israel’s Elbit Systems, or the Chunmoo from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace.
by Stephen W. Miller
