Counter-UAS with a 70-millimetre rocket: Thales Belgium shows Proxy at Eurosatory 2026

Eurosatory 2026 in Paris extended over four large halls and two large outdoor areas, together covering more than 285,000 square metres. Whether manned or unmanned vehicles, remote weapon stations in large numbers or flying drones: in every hall and on the outdoor grounds, the same element kept appearing – the 70-millimetre rocket launcher. Models of the current FZ275 LGR from Thales Belgium were often part of the displays; the distinctive tip of a rocket model protruded from many launchers. The seeker of the latest generation of this semi-active laser-guided 70-millimetre rocket, which Thales Belgium is positioning for counter-UAS – countering unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) – could be seen for the first time, but only in one place: in Hall 6 at Thales Belgium itself.

Proxy: LiDAR-based proximity sensor

The changes in the FZ275 LGR MOD.40, called “Proxy” for short in the press release, are considerable. It owes its name to a newly integrated 360-degree proximity sensor based on LiDAR. Also new is a fragmentation warhead developed specifically against aerial threats. The rocket is positioned as a C-UAS system against drones of NATO Classes 1 (less than 150 kilograms) and 2 (150 to 600 kilograms). It can be launched from the ground, from the air or from sea.

The explicit aim is to reduce the overall cost of air defence by using high-value missiles such as AMRAAM or Patriot sparingly. They are to be reserved exclusively for targets that require such high performance.

While these very expensive effectors reach six- and seven-figure prices, Proxy costs a low five-figure sum.

Thales Belgium would not confirm whether a dual laser/infrared seeker is fitted, which would allow fire-and-forget operation. It also remains open whether a new motor with greater range has been developed. Currently, the rocket head still bears the markings 2, 4, 6 and X for the permissible maximum ranges. Depending on the speed and altitude of the carrier platform, however, the maximum range can also exceed six kilometres. According to unofficial information, the rocket is considerably more accurate than the officially stated circular error probable (CEP) of under one metre at a distance of six kilometres would suggest.

Production set to rise drastically again

Thales Belgium intends to expand production drastically once more. The numerous 70-millimetre rocket launchers at Eurosatory show that many countries are highly interested.

Earlier company press releases cited 700 units for 2024, 3,500 for 2025 and around 10,000 for 2026. According to the latest release, production is to triple again between 2026 and 2028 in order to meet growing international demand. To ensure reliable and high-performance supply, Thales Belgium also intends to expand its industrial presence and its proximity to strategic customers.

Technical data of the FZ275 LGR

With a diameter of 2.75 inches (70 millimetres), the current version of the FZ275 LGR is about 1.8 metres long and weighs 12.7 kilograms, of which 4.1 kilograms are accounted for by the warhead. Length and weight are expected to differ for Proxy; however, no data is available yet.

Possible launch platforms include helicopters, aircraft from propeller types to jets, ground vehicles and naval platforms. The FZ275 LGR can engage targets on land, at sea and in the air. Historically, the 70-millimetre rocket system goes back to the Hydra-70 system; its enormous versatility and the effectiveness it has demonstrated in operations under varying operational conditions have made it very popular with many armed forces.

In the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer), at least the new AW169 Lion helicopters and the new M-346FA jet trainer will receive the FZ275 LGR as armament.

FZ123: counter-UAS without guidance

The FZ123 from Thales Belgium is also a C-UAS solution based on the 70-millimetre system. The 14-kilogram rocket sacrifices guidance and range in favour of a massive eight-kilogram fragmentation warhead containing 6,500 steel balls.

In terms of operational concept, this is reminiscent of the Skyranger’s Ahead ammunition (-> How does Ahead ammunition work?). First, the target’s flight path is measured, then a fire-control computer calculates the collision point of rocket and target. Via a correspondingly set time fuze, the warhead detonates in the immediate vicinity of the target and creates a large cloud of steel balls that, ideally, destroys the target. The unguided FZ123 costs a low four-figure sum, putting it considerably below the guided FZ275 LGR.