France integrates 68mm laser-guided rockets on Rafale for anti-drone role

France has live-fire tested and rapidly integrated 68mm laser-guided rockets (Aculeus-LG in Thales Telson JF12 pods) onto Rafale fighters as a low-cost counter-UAS interceptor, using modified RBE2 radar plus the Talios pod for tracking/laser designation. This adds a layered, cheaper alternative to expending high-cost MICA air-to-air missiles against Shahed/Geran-type drones and is slated for near-term operational fielding.