Thales Belgium has upgraded its laser-guided rocket with a new LiDAR sensor designed to enhance targeting of drones. The sensor sits behind the guidance kit and activates as the rocket nears its target, according to a company official speaking to Breaking Defense.
The modification addresses a growing operational need for precision-strike capabilities against small, agile unmanned aerial systems. By fusing laser guidance with LiDAR, the weapon gains improved terminal-phase accuracy, potentially increasing its effectiveness against maneuvering drone threats.
Allied forces have increasingly sought counter-drone solutions as drone swarms and loitering munitions reshape battlefield dynamics. The Thales upgrade adds a cost-effective option for ground units that already operate laser-guided rocket systems, reducing reliance on expensive air-defense missiles.
Financial details of the upgrade program were not disclosed. The system builds on Thales's existing laser-guided rocket product line, with the new variant expected to be offered to current and future customers under existing procurement channels.
The upgrade's effectiveness against advanced drones with electronic countermeasures remains unproven in live combat conditions. Analysts note that LiDAR can be degraded by smoke, dust, or adverse weather, limiting its reliability in contested environments.