Thales Belgium to Increase Production of 70mm Anti-Drone Missiles for Ukraine

Thales Belgium plans to produce approximately 3,500 FZ275 LGR 70mm anti-drone missiles by the end of this year. This type of weapon is already being actively used by the Ukrainian military.

The manufacturer’s plans were reported by Business Insider journalists who visited Thales Belgium.

In 2026, the company expects to increase its annual production capacity to 10,000 missiles, which will significantly increase its supply capabilities.

The missiles are equipped with the latest FZ123 anti-drone warhead, which was presented last year at the Eurosatory defense exhibition.

The FZ123 warhead is filled with thousands of small steel balls that fly in all directions after detonating a nearly kilogram charge.

According to the manufacturer, the kill zone reaches 25 meters in diameter, which is enough to destroy Shahed drones.

In theory, the fragments can hit a target at a greater distance, as the principle of operation is similar to that of a shotgun. The missile has a range of about 3 kilometers.

According to Thomas Colinet, Thales Belgium’s Domain Director for Vehicles and Tactical Systems, the new weapon has already been deployed in Ukraine.

He noted that the requests from Kyiv exceed the company’s existing production capabilities, which indicates the high efficiency of these missiles.

“The good news for us is that if they are asking for more, it means they are satisfied,” Colin said.

The manufacturer does not disclose the cost of missiles with the FZ123 warhead or the scope of deliveries. All that is known is that they are compatible with standard 70mm NATO launchers, including the Vampire system, and can be launched from modernized Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters.

Earlier this year, it became known that Thales and Ukroboronprom would establish a joint venture in Ukraine, which would open up additional opportunities for localizing arms production.