Thales expanded rocket factory provides five-fold increase in manufacturing capability
The FZ275 LGR can be used on a range of platforms, including UGVs such as Rheinmetall’s Mission Master which has test fired the missile. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Huge increase in capability has been supported by the Belgian government and the European Union’s Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) plan.
Thales Belgium has opened an expanded missile factory in the Walloon region town of Herstal which will see a five-fold increase in the company’s ability to make FZ275 LGR 70-mm laser-guided rockets.
The new capacity, part of a €20 million (US$21.4 million) investment plan launched in 2023 and boosted by the support of the Belgian government and the European Union’s Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP) plan.
In the space of less than a year, the company has laid the groundwork for increased production of 70mm rockets, increasing personnel at the site by 50, strengthening the supply chain and reorganising activities in an effort which will see capacity increase from 1,000 guided rockets a year to 5,000 a year by 2025
The company said “the higher production rates will make it possible to respond faster to the ammunition requirements of the armed forces” and notably the rocket is the NATO-standard 70mm (2.75 inch) calibre currently being used in Ukraine.
The rockets can be used by crewed and uncrewed land, air and naval platforms and can also be used for CUAS operations and to support ground-to-ground strike capabilities. The missile has a length of 1.8m and a weight of 12.5kg with a range of 6km.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded]()
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
![Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026]()
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
![US Army LTAMDS enters production phase]()
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
-
![Technology transfer: how well does it work?]()
Technology transfer: how well does it work?
Technology transfer is trumpeted by many companies as a way to tap into new markets, win contracts and expand supply and manufacturing capability. It is often used in the area of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and these requirements are a way to see how – and if – they work.
-
![The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre]()
The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre
Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems]()
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.
