A French Rafale fighter jet has been spotted at BA 125 Istres airbase in the south of the country carrying a new configuration of counter-drone weaponry. The system in question is the Thales JF12 pod — a launcher designed to fire both unguided and guided 68 mm rockets, including SNEB and ACULEUS variants, as well as similar munitions, according to Voennoye Obozrenie.

The French Air Force views this «quiver,» capable of holding up to 24 rockets with laser-guidance options, as a practical tool against unmanned threats, including Shahed-type drones. A pair of Rafale jets equipped in this way is considered capable of covering large areas, from major military installations to mid-sized cities.

Paris is reportedly planning to deploy such systems to protect French military bases in the Middle East from Iranian missile threats.

French forces have long been searching for more cost-effective ways to intercept drones, a challenge that has become increasingly urgent in high-intensity conflicts. Traditional air-to-air missiles like the MICA cost around €1–1.5 million per unit, making their use against inexpensive drones economically inefficient.

As an alternative, laser-guided 68 mm ACULEUS-LG rockets are being considered. Priced in the tens of thousands of euros per unit, they offer a far cheaper option. These munitions are already in service on Tiger helicopters and are now undergoing testing on fighter aircraft.

A similar approach is being explored by the United States, where 70 mm APKWS rockets are used from F-15 and F-16 fighters to engage drones, though the effectiveness of such operations remains mixed.

Against this backdrop, French media suggest that efforts to counter Shahed-type drones have effectively entered an active phase.