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2h ago

Thales Ships 70mm Anti-Drone Rockets to Ukraine as It Flags Drone Overflights of Belgian Plants

The company seeks clear rules on countering drones over its sensitive production sites following a rise in unexplained overflights.

A picture taken during a visit to the Thales production site in Herstal, Belgium, on October 3, 2025. This is where Thales manufactures its 70mm rocket systems (NATO standard). The company has also inaugurated a new ammunition production line at this site. Production has increased fivefold in recent years to meet the needs of the armed forces.
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A to-scale model of the FZ123 warhead.

Overview

  • Thales Belgium confirmed Ukraine has received 70mm rockets fitted with FZ123 airburst warheads and says Kyiv is requesting more after initial use.
  • The FZ123 warhead disperses thousands of steel pellets on detonation to destroy or damage Shahed‑type drones and swarms at close range.
  • Thales targets about 3,500 rockets by year-end and plans to reach roughly 10,000 annually by 2026, with unguided 70mm production able to double from 30,000 to 60,000 on extra shifts.
  • The rockets fit NATO-standard 70mm launchers and are being fired from Ukraine’s truck-mounted Vampire systems as well as retrofitted Mi-8 helicopters.
  • Thales reports more drone sightings over its Herstal and Évegnée Fort facilities, says most current output is going to Ukraine as European demand surges, and is seeking legal clarity on jamming or bringing down intruding UAVs.