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…