France’s Rafale adds laser-guided rockets to counter Shahed-type drones

France has developed a new, lower-cost anti-drone option for its Rafale fighter jets after operational experience in the Middle East highlighted the challenge of dealing with Shahed-type drones.

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has successfully integrated 68-mm laser-guided rockets onto the Rafale under a new anti-drone capability called LADAC. The system combines the Rafale’s radar, the Talios laser-designation pod and guided rockets to detect, track, designate and engage drones.

The capability was developed at speed. According to the French Defence Ministry, the contract was awarded in December 2025 under an “operational urgency” procedure, with the first successful live-fire trials conducted in July 2026. The first equipment was scheduled to be made available to the French Air and Space Force by the end of July.

From missiles to a more cost-effective option

The move reflects a growing challenge for air forces: using expensive air-to-air missiles against relatively low-cost attack drones can be an inefficient proposition. France has therefore sought an additional weapon that can engage such threats at lower cost while retaining precision.

The French DGA says the new rocket capability is intended specifically for counter-drone missions and can be used against threats such as Shahed-type drones. The laser-guided rocket was already in use on the French Tiger attack helicopter and was adapted for deployment from the Rafale.

The Rafale’s radar detects and tracks the drone, while the Talios pod provides laser designation. The rocket is then guided to the designated target. France conducted live trials against representative aerial targets in early July.

The development also comes as France expands its operational focus on countering drones. In June, French Fennec helicopters deployed in the Middle East conducted a joint firing exercise against a drone similar to a Shahed, destroying it with a 20-mm cannon using laser guidance.

The larger takeaway is that France is building a layered anti-drone approach — combining guns, guided rockets and missiles depending on the size, speed and capability of the incoming threat. The French Defence Ministry has also acknowledged that more capable drones may continue to require missile-based interception.