Belgian F-16s Are Testing FZ275 Laser-Guided Rockets for C-UAS Role

Key Takeaways

• Belgian F‑16s carry six LAU‑131A/A rocket pods.
• FZ275 LGR offers laser‑guided, low‑cost drone kill.
• 42 rockets provide high volume, cheaper than missiles.
• Tests integrate FZ275 with Thales, complementing APKWS II.
• C‑UAS focus reduces reliance on expensive SAMs.

Summary

Belgian Air Force has begun flight tests of domestically‑developed FZ275 70 mm laser‑guided rockets on its F‑16AM fleet, mounting six LAU‑131A/A pods for a total of 42 rounds. The trials, conducted since early 2026, aim to validate the rockets for counter‑unmanned‑air‑system (C‑UAS) missions alongside the U.S. APKWS II and BAE’s AGR‑20F. The FZ275, a joint Thales‑Forges de Zeebrugge product, offers a low‑cost, precision alternative to expensive missiles for neutralising cheap attack drones. The tests represent the first observed use of an F‑16 with six rocket pods in flight.

Pulse Analysis

The proliferation of inexpensive attack drones has forced air forces to rethink traditional air‑defence economics. While surface‑to‑air missiles deliver high performance, their per‑shot cost often exceeds the value of the target. Belgium’s decision to field the 70 mm FZ275 laser‑guided rocket reflects a broader trend toward cost‑effective, precision munitions that can be deployed from existing fighter platforms. By leveraging a semi‑active laser seeker, the FZ275 bridges the gap between unguided rockets and high‑end missiles, offering a scalable response to swarming UAVs.

Technically, the FZ275 mirrors the U.S. APKWS II but is produced by Thales and Forges de Zeebrugge, keeping the unit price around $30,000—substantially lower than the $450,000 AIM‑9 or $1 million AIM‑120. The six LAU‑131A/A pods fitted to the Belgian F‑16 provide a 42‑round payload, enabling sustained engagement of multiple drones without exhausting expensive missile stocks. Integration trials have shown the rockets can be laser‑designated by the Sniper pod, delivering accurate hits on low‑observable targets while preserving the aircraft’s air‑to‑air capability.

Strategically, successful validation of the FZ275 could reshape NATO’s C‑UAS doctrine, encouraging allies to adopt similar low‑cost solutions and reducing dependence on legacy air‑defence systems. The program also dovetails with Ukraine’s recent memorandum to produce the rocket domestically, suggesting a potential export pipeline. As drone threats evolve, the emphasis on affordable, high‑volume precision firepower is likely to grow, positioning the FZ275 and comparable systems as key components of future air‑combat arsenals.