War in the Middle East: France equips its Rafale with new Aculeus LG rockets to combat Shahed drones

France steps up response against drone threat France is stepping up its response to the growing threat of drones. After a period of hesitation and perceived slow anti-drone programs, France has taken a decisive step by entering an active testing phase with the Rafale to integrate new, more cost-effective and drone-specific munitions for destruction.

Recent incidents served as a turning point after Iranian Shahed drones were shot down over the Persian Gulf by French Rafale fighter jets using expensive and powerful missiles known as “MICA.”

It has become imperative to find an equally effective and less costly solution against the increasing number of cheap drones. Recent images have shown a Rafale equipped with a new launching pod under its wing. The photo, taken near the Istres-Le Tubé airbase in Bouches-du-Rhône, confirms the progress of tests conducted by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).

The pod has been identified as the “Telson 12 JF,” a system developed by TDA Armaments designed to launch 68mm rockets called Aculeus LG. Originally developed for the Tiger III attack helicopter, whose program was suspended, these rockets have found a new purpose.

Lower performance but a strategic choice The Aculeus LG rocket measures about 1.4m long and weighs 8.8 kg, with a range of 5 km and laser guidance for precision.

France seems to have chosen the Aculeus LG over the FZ275 LGR, a very similar rocket with superior characteristics. Larger (1.8m for 12.7 kg) and with a range of 7 km, the FZ275 LGR has been successfully used in Ukraine. While the reason for choosing a lower-performing option has not been explained, cost considerations or France’s own industrial logic may have influenced this decision.

Despite questions about the specific rocket model, the activation of this project ends a perceived period of sluggishness in anti-drone programs. Through tests on the Rafale, France demonstrates its willingness to adapt to current threats, crucial in the face of the increasing role of drones in regional conflicts, especially in the Middle East.