French KNDS innovates with land-based RAPIDFire system for short-range drone and missile defense.

At the 2025 Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France has officially unveiled its new-generation RAPIDFire Land system, marking a major milestone in the country’s effort to reinforce short-range ground-based air defense capabilities. Developed by Thales and KNDS France, RAPIDFire Land is a highly mobile, autonomous weapon system designed to provide close-in protection against modern aerial and surface threats. Based on the proven naval turret design, this land variant integrates the 40 mm Cased Telescoped Armament System (CTAS), advanced optronics, and multi-role ammunition into a modular ground platform.
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The RAPIDFire Land system uses the 40 mm CTAS gun, capable of engaging aerial and surface threats with a wide range of programmable ammunition types, including high-explosive airburst rounds specifically designed to counter drones and loitering munitions. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The RAPIDFire Land system is the result of increasing operational demand for a compact, efficient, and responsive solution against low-altitude threats, particularly drones and loitering munitions. With modern conflict zones saturated by low-cost UAVs and precision-guided weapons, France has identified the need for a system capable of filling the engagement gap between shoulder-launched missiles and long-range air defense batteries. RAPIDFire Land offers a cost-effective, high-firepower answer to these evolving threats.

At the heart of the system is the CTA 40 mm automatic cannon, a medium-caliber NATO-standard weapon capable of firing up to 200 rounds per minute. It is fed by a linkless carousel system built into the turret structure, which can store 70 to 140 ready-to-fire rounds. The system supports a full range of Cased Telescoped 40 mm ammunition, including high-explosive, armor-piercing (APFSDS), and several airburst configurations. Of particular note is the Anti-Aerial Air Burst (A3B) round, designed to counter fast, low-signature targets such as UAVs by releasing hundreds of tungsten pellets in a timed, directed burst.

RAPIDFire Land offers effective engagement ranges of up to 4,000 meters for air targets and 2,500 meters for surface targets. It can operate in either a fully autonomous mode, relying on its integrated sensors and fire-control system, or as part of a broader command-and-control network. The turret includes a stabilized optronic sighting system with thermal imaging, visible-spectrum cameras, laser rangefinding, and automatic tracking. These sensors enable real-time identification, tracking, and impact assessment in both day and night conditions.

The system is currently offered in two primary configurations. The first is a semi-mobile version housed in a 20-foot ISO container format, designed for quick setup and protection of fixed infrastructure such as air bases, command posts, or radar sites. The second is a mobile version mounted on tactical wheeled vehicles (such as 6×6 or 8×8 trucks), enabling convoy protection, force maneuver coverage, and forward deployment capabilities. Both configurations share the same core turret, allowing logistical commonality and rapid redeployment depending on mission needs.

What sets RAPIDFire Land apart is its combination of high firepower, autonomous operation, and integration readiness. The system provides a “plug-and-play” defense solution that can function independently in remote environments or be seamlessly connected to modern air defense command systems. It is capable of shoot-on-the-move operation and offers a minimal crew footprint, increasing tactical flexibility while reducing operational risk.

France’s decision to procure 48 RAPIDFire Land systems through the DGA’s first production contract demonstrates the country’s commitment to closing the short-range air defense gap with a homegrown, technologically advanced solution. In an era where threats like loitering munitions, FPV drones, and coordinated UAV swarms are reshaping battlefield dynamics, RAPIDFire Land offers a versatile and future-proof response. Its modularity and low collateral-damage profile make it particularly well-suited to urban and expeditionary operations, as well as fixed-base protection.

Tactically, the system complements existing medium- and long-range SAM networks by providing the close-in layer necessary to defeat fast, low-cost threats before they reach critical assets. Its ability to automatically assess and engage multiple targets makes it ideal for countering saturation attacks. The low per-shot cost of 40 mm ammunition also ensures that operators can sustain high engagement rates without exhausting strategic missile inventories.

On display at Le Bourget 2025 in a digital camouflage scheme, the RAPIDFire Land turret attracted significant interest from visiting military delegations. Its clean, compact architecture, lack of external crew compartments, and fully automated systems reflect the growing trend toward remote-operated and AI-assisted air defense platforms. France has confirmed that the system is already in service, and field evaluations have shown strong results in detecting and neutralizing UAVs and loitering threats under operational conditions.

Globally, RAPIDFire Land positions France at the forefront of short-range ground-based air defense innovation. With its naval version already generating export interest, particularly in the Middle East, the land system is expected to follow suit. The dual-use design across land and sea domains offers interoperability and streamlined logistics for customers operating in both environments. France’s active promotion of the system at international defense exhibitions such as IDEX and Eurosatory underscores its export ambitions, with early discussions already underway with partner nations.

In summary, RAPIDFire Land delivers a decisive capability for modern armed forces: a highly responsive, mobile, and integrated defense system capable of defeating today’s most challenging low-level air and surface threats. With production launched and operational service already underway, it represents a significant step forward in France’s defense posture and a compelling solution for allies seeking to modernize their close-in protection capabilities.