France tests laser-guided rockets for drone defense

France is developing new, cheaper methods to counter drones, concluding that using expensive air-to-air missiles against low-cost threats like Shahed drones is not cost-effective. The French military is now testing laser-guided unguided rockets, with a Rafale fighter seen equipped with a TELSON 12 JF pod for 68-mm ACULEUS-LG rockets and a TALIOS targeting pod for guidance. This move follows a broader international trend of seeking affordable air defense solutions for asymmetric aerial threats.