Thales Belgium has developed a low-cost 70 mm rocket equipped with the FZ123 airburst warhead to counter Shahed-type and similar drones, and has already delivered an undisclosed quantity to Ukraine. The FZ123 houses thousands of steel pellets propelled by about 2 pounds (900 g) of high explosive. On detonation it creates an approximately 80-foot (24-meter) wide fragment cloud capable of destroying or severely damaging NATO Class II (medium tactical) and Class III (larger/high-altitude) unmanned systems, and of breaking up swarms. The laser-guided variant can be launched from several platforms — including L3Harris’s VAMPIRE truck launcher and modified Mi-8 helicopters — and requires continuous laser designation until impact; if the beam is lost the rocket will travel toward the last known aimpoint for five seconds before reverting to ballistic flight, Thales’ Olivier Heuschen said. The FZ123 can also be fitted to unguided 70 mm rockets. Thales Belgium reportedly produces roughly 30,000 unguided 70 mm rockets annually and could double output to about 60,000 by adding shifts, subject to supplier capacity. The firm would not disclose the FZ123-equipped rocket’s cost; industry reports suggest the round is more expensive than many Ukrainian drone interceptors (estimated $500–$5,000) but remains significantly cheaper and quicker to field than conventional missile solutions.
