Belgium's FN and Thales Combine 70mm Rockets with DeFNder RWS for Force Protection.

At BEDEX 2026 in Brussels, Thales and FN Herstal presented an upgraded FN DeFNder Medium remote weapon station capable of integrating 70 mm rockets alongside traditional weapons. The concept reflects a broader shift toward multi-role remote turrets that extend vehicle engagement range while keeping crews protected inside armored platforms.

During the Brussels European Defense Exhibition and Conference (BEDEX) 2026, Thales displayed an enhanced version of the FN DeFNder Medium remote weapon station developed with FN Herstal. The system highlights a new approach to remote turrets by integrating 70 mm rocket capability in addition to traditional armaments such as machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. By combining precision rockets with stabilized remote weapon technology, the platform expands engagement options against targets at medium range. The configuration allows operators to deliver greater firepower while remaining protected inside the host vehicle or platform, reflecting growing demand for modular weapon stations that increase lethality without exposing crews to battlefield threats.
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FN Herstal and Thales Belgium display the FN DeFNder Medium+ Remote Weapon Station fitted with a FZ605 five-tube 70 mm rocket launcher at BEDEX 2026 in Brussels (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The configuration presented integrates the FZ605 five-tube launcher within the remote weapon station. This launcher is designed to fire 70 mm rockets and can operate with several types of munitions. Unguided rockets allow area suppression or harassment missions at a distance, while laser-guided 70 mm rockets can be used for more precise strikes against point targets. Depending on the munition used, the engagement range can reach approximately seven kilometers. Integration within a stabilized Remote Weapon System (RWS) allows the rocket launcher to be combined with the turret’s sensors and fire-control systems.

The system is based on the FN DeFNder Medium+ architecture, a remote weapon station designed for integration on armored vehicles, light naval platforms, or fixed installations. The turret is stabilized on two axes, allowing engagements while the platform is moving. A digital fire-control system is combined with electro-optical sensors that may include a high-definition day camera, a thermal imager, and a laser rangefinder. This sensor suite enables target detection and engagement at extended distances in both day and night conditions, with all functions operated from a protected control station located inside the vehicle or command post.

The integration of 70 mm rockets alters the operational profile of the turret. The standard DeFNder Medium configuration is typically equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher. In the configuration presented, the addition of the FZ605 launcher introduces a longer-range strike capability. The five-tube launcher allows several rockets to be fired in succession from the remote weapon station, providing a higher volume of fire than conventional small-caliber weapons mounted on this type of turret.

The use of this type of munition also creates applications for the protection of sensitive sites or naval platforms. In this role, the station can employ the FZ123 rocket designed for Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) missions. This munition is intended to engage light aerial threats such as small drones operating at low altitude and short distances. A 70 mm rocket produces a fragmentation effect and an interception zone larger than that generated by small-caliber ammunition, which may allow the neutralization of drones or small drone groups within a limited defensive perimeter around the protected platform.

The concept also includes the integration of evolutions of the FZ275 Rocket Guided Laser (RGL) 70 mm rocket developed by Thales Belgium. This rocket family includes different warhead types and mission configurations intended to adapt effects to operational requirements. FZ275 series rockets can carry explosive or fragmentation warheads depending on mission needs. Their propulsion provides a stable flight path and sufficient velocity to reach targets several kilometers away. Guided versions rely on semi-active laser guidance, which improves accuracy during engagements against point targets.

The development of this configuration is based on industrial cooperation between FN Herstal and Thales Belgium. FN Herstal provides the remote weapon station architecture, integration interfaces, and experience in weapon systems for ground vehicles and naval platforms. Thales Belgium contributes its technology in the field of 70 mm rockets and associated munition systems. This industrial combination allows launchers, munitions, and fire-control elements to be integrated into a single operational architecture.

The system presented is described as ITAR-free, meaning that it is designed without components subject to the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). This characteristic can simplify export procedures to certain international markets. Production is also indicated as being carried out in Belgium, reflecting the organization of the industrial supply chain and the intention to maintain a national production base for this type of equipment.

FN Herstal and Thales Belgium illustrate how national industrial capabilities can converge to address emerging operational challenges such as the growing drone threat observed across Europe. By combining FN Herstal’s experience in remote weapon stations with Thales Belgium’s expertise in 70 mm rocket systems, the two Belgian companies demonstrate the possibility of developing an integrated solution produced entirely within Belgium. This type of cooperation reflects broader efforts to maintain sovereign defense technologies while offering armed forces modular systems capable of adapting to evolving threats, including the protection of vehicles, naval platforms, and sensitive sites against unmanned aerial systems.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.