The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has already placed firm orders for 14 RAPIDFire systems to equip the French Navy’s vessels. Two systems are fully operational aboard the Fleet Replenishment Ship (BRF) Jacques Chevallier, which has successfully completed two long-duration deployments with the Carrier Strike Group, including multiple live-fire exercises. Two additional systems have just been installed on BRF2 Jacques Stosskopf for an upcoming deployment, while a fifth system will soon be mounted on a new offshore patrol vessel.
The RAPIDFire system was officially qualified in early 2025 and is now compatible with all existing 40CT ammunition types.
Next-Generation Self-Defense
Jointly developed by Thales and KNDS France, RAPIDFire is the first remotely operated 40mm turret to integrate the CT40 weapon, featuring advanced optronics and using cased telescoped ammunition from CTAI (a KNDS France subsidiary). The system carries up to 140 ready-to-fire rounds without reloading and can engage multiple aerial and surface threats up to 4 km away. Its fire control system continuously adjusts target tracking after each shot.
Versatile Deployment Across Platforms
RAPIDFire is being adapted for both naval and land-based use. A land version, developed with the French Air and Space Force, will offer:
Semi-mobile protection: via a transportable 20-foot platform.
Mobile protection: mounted on vehicles to safeguard high-value assets in operational theaters.
Airburst Ammunition Advantage
The A3B airburst round, currently under development, delivers tungsten sub-projectiles with a forward-facing blast, enhancing effectiveness against drones, helicopters, aircraft, and RAM threats. The A3B is expected to fully equip the RAPIDFire system by 2027, supported by a late 2024 contract modification to fund its development and initial production.
