Rafale Gets Low-Cost Anti-Drone Missile Under LADAC
France has integrated a low-cost laser-guided anti-drone missile into Rafale fighters, with Qatar, the UAE and Ukraine named as potential future recipients.
The War Zone reported that French Rafale fighter jets have been equipped with a low-cost missile designed to destroy drones.
According to France’s Directorate General of Armaments, the new 68-millimeter laser-guided munition has been successfully integrated into the aircraft’s weapons suite. Testing began in February under the LADAC program, with Dassault Aviation and Thales involved in the development.
The publication said the LADAC system was initially intended for Rafale fighters operated by the French Air and Space Force and Navy. However, it could also be offered to foreign Rafale customers and potentially adapted for other combat aircraft.
The missile’s price has not been disclosed. The authors believe a single round could cost less than an Iranian Shahed attack drone or a Russian Geran.
The War Zone also noted that Rafale fighters are widely operated by Middle Eastern countries. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates were named among the possible first recipients of the new anti-drone weapon.
The publication did not rule out the missile being supplied to Ukraine for use on Mirage 2000 fighter jets.