Thales Belgium’s introduction of the 70mm FZ123 airburst rocket represents a strategic advancement in counter-UAV technology, targeting Shahed-class and similar drones. Each warhead contains thousands of small steel pellets propelled by 900 grams of high explosive, creating an approximately 24-meter-wide fragment cloud upon detonation. This capability allows the rocket to disable or destroy both medium and high-endurance unmanned platforms, including swarming drones, enhancing battlefield versatility. Laser-guided rockets can be launched from multiple systems, such as the VAMPIRE truck-mounted launcher and modified Mi-8 helicopters, requiring uninterrupted laser illumination. If the targeting beam is lost, the rocket will continue toward the last detected location before transitioning to a ballistic path. Thales also offers unguided 70mm rockets fitted with the FZ123 warhead. Annual production of unguided rockets stands at 30,000 units, with the potential to double output with additional shifts, assuming supply constraints are managed. While the FZ123-equipped munitions are costlier than basic Ukrainian drone interceptors, which range from $500 to $5,000, they offer superior efficiency and rapid production advantages compared with conventional missile systems. This initiative demonstrates a balance between affordability and operational effectiveness, providing armed forces with flexible, high-impact solutions to modern UAV threats.
