French Navy Expands RAPIDFire Deployment Across Fleet
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has already ordered 14 RAPIDFire units to strengthen the self-defense capabilities of the French Navy. Two systems are currently operational aboard the Fleet Replenishment Ship (BRF) Jacques Chevallier, which has completed two extended Carrier Strike Group deployments, featuring several live-fire exercises. An additional two systems have been recently installed on the Jacques Stosskopf (BRF2) ahead of its upcoming deployment, while a fifth system will soon be mounted on a new offshore patrol vessel.
RAPIDFire, officially qualified in early 2025, is the first remote-controlled 40mm turret integrated with the CT40 weapon system. Developed by Thales and KNDS France, it leverages cutting-edge optronics and CTAI’s 40mm cased telescoped ammunition to deliver superior firepower. With a capacity of 140 ready-to-fire rounds, RAPIDFire can neutralize multiple threats without reloading, including drones, light aircraft, missiles, and surface targets up to 4 km away.
The system is also being adapted for land-based airbase protection, with semi-mobile and mobile configurations under development for the French Air and Space Force. These can either be ground-deployed or mounted on vehicles for rapid defense of critical assets.
By 2027, the system’s air defense capabilities will be fully enhanced by the A3B airburst ammunition, designed to defeat modern aerial threats like drones, subsonic missiles, and RAM projectiles.
