France announced at the Eurosatory arms fair near Paris that it will adopt the new Thundart multiple rocket launcher system as a replacement for the M270 (LRU). Developed by the European MBDA/Thales consortium, Thundart beat competing American and Israeli designs. In its standard version, the Thundart rocket can reach about 150 km, placing it in the same class as the GMLRS‑ER, with a longer‑range version under development that may achieve roughly 300 km. This extended range represents a significant boost for the French army, which has faced limitations in long‑range ground fire in recent years, and reflects Europe’s push to increase its own strike capability while reducing reliance on U.S. systems such as HIMARS.