Dozens of drones shot down in 140 shots: France introduces new 40mm anti-aircraft gun

French defense companies KNDS France and Thales have jointly developed and introduced a new 40mm anti-aircraft artillery system. It is called RAPIDFire and is a land-based version of the ship-based artillery system of the same name, Defense Express writes.

The new product's special feature, as claimed, is its ability to shoot down several dozen enemy drones thanks to its ammunition of 140 rounds.

According to the French publication, the artillery mount has a 40-mm 40CTA automatic cannon, radar and control module integrated into one turret. Optionally, the RAPIDFire can be equipped with six launchers for short-range anti-aircraft missiles. The declared range of air targets is 4 km.

The RAPIDFire is to be fired using the programmable 40mm A3B Airburst projectile. Work on this ammunition is still ongoing, so the estimated time for the artillery system to be fully operational is postponed to 2027.

However, the French Air Force has already shown interest in the development – to protect air bases from various types of drones. French manufacturers presented the installation at the exhibition in Le Bourget.

By the way, earlier the German company Diehl Defence, which produces IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems, presented the Cicada anti-aircraft drone at the defense technology exhibition in Nuremberg.