France considers buying HIMARS rocket launchers (defence24.com)

• French LRU rocket artillery to be phased out by 2027.
• National options: Thundart (Safran/MBDA) and ArianeGroup/Thales concept.
• Foreign alternatives: US HIMARS and South Korean K239 Chunmoo.
• HIMARS purchase would clash with France's sovereignty narrative.
• Decision hinges on speed, cost, and industrial policy vs. proven systems.

"France must replace its aging LRU rocket artillery, expected to be obsolete by 2027. Two national proposals exist: Thundart (Safran/MBDA) and a concept by ArianeGroup/Thales. However, Paris is also evaluating foreign systems such as the US HIMARS and South Korean K239 Chunmoo, due to time pressure, cost, and proven battlefield performance. Buying HIMARS would be politically sensitive, given France's frequent calls for European defense sovereignty. The decision will reveal whether France prioritizes industrial autonomy or rapid capability fielding."