A Greek-developed heavyweight multirotor drone has fired a Thales 70-millimeter FZ275 laser-guided rocket for the first time.
The test marks the first integration of the weapon with SAS Technology’s unmanned combat aerial vehicle, expanding the systems’ military capabilities for close air support missions.
The drone, called the SARISA, can carry out intercept operations similar to fighter jets and attack helicopters by exploiting the rocket’s guided and unguided capabilities.
This approach enables drone users to minimize risk on training and combat missions while cutting costs for aircraft deployments.
In addition, the advantage provides an “effective, flexible and easily transportable weapon” for dismounted warfighters.
“Combined with the FZ275 LGR laser guided rocket, ground troops can count on the support of this system to defeat specific like light armoured vehicles, radar stations, aircrafts on ground, buildings etc. with an important stand-off, adding the autonomy of the drone to the firing range of more than 7km of the rocket,” a statement from Thales said.
Thales and SAS Technology will conduct further tests to evaluate the FZ275 LGR-equipped SARISA’s performance in other firing scenarios.
First Thales Missile Firing With JACKAL Drone
Last month, Thales and Flyby Technology tested the interoperability of a lightweight multirole missile with a JACKAL aerial drone for the first time.
The activity supported UK Royal Air Force explorations of next-generation unmanned air combat capabilities to address future threats.
