France to cut reliance on US HIMARS with its 43.5-mile range X-Fire launcher

France has begun trials of Thales’ Foudre launcher as a possible alternative to the US-made HIMARS.

The goal is to preserve long-range precision strike while keeping launchers, software, and munitions under French or European control.

If adopted, Foudre would reduce France’s reliance on American systems and strengthen defense sovereignty.

The move also supports Europe’s broader push for strategic autonomy in long-range fires.