Thales unveils RapidStriker Counter-Drone System

Our Bureau - : Jun 16, 2026 - : 2:06 pm

At the ongoing Eurosatory 2026, French defence and technology company Thales has unveiled RapidStriker, a new mobile counter-drone system designed to detect, track and neutralise unmanned aerial threats, as militaries worldwide accelerate investments in counter-UAV capabilities.

Thales said the platform combines 360-degree threat detection, automated fire control and a range of effectors, including rockets, small-calibre cannons and remotely operated munitions, to counter evolving drone threats on the battlefield.

According to the company, RapidStriker can identify, track and engage drones within seconds through the integration of multiple sensors and advanced data-fusion technologies. The system can be mounted on a variety of high-mobility military vehicles, including the Bushmaster Utility vehicle unveiled by Thales at the exhibition.

The company said RapidStriker employs 68mm and 70mm guided and unguided rockets to defeat drones while also providing precision and saturation fire support against ground targets. The system is designed to integrate with wider air-defence networks and is fully compatible with Thales' SkyDefender air and missile defence architecture.

The launch comes as armed forces increasingly seek counter-drone systems to address the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East, where low-cost drones have emerged as a significant threat to troops, military equipment and critical infrastructure.

“With RapidStriker, Thales takes a decisive step forward in the fight against drones, providing forces with a complete, agile and efficient solution adapted to evolving threats,” said Julien Assoun, vice president for vehicles and tactical systems at Thales.