USSOCOM and a European Special Operations Unit
Arnold Defense has announced receipt of two orders – one from USSOCOM, the other from an undisclosed European specialist operations unit – for its FLETCHER laser-guided 2.75in rocket launcher, first unveiled at DSEI 2017 in London.
The company will deliver a combination of single (4-round) and twin (8-round) launchers, which will give operators the ability to accurately engage targets from the ground at a range of over 5km. The system has generated what the company “exceptional levels of interest” since launch: an ongoing investment and development programme continues to broaden and prove the system’s already revolutionary capability.
In April 2019 Arnold Defense announced receipt of the first ‘proof of concept’ order for FLETCHER. In June this year, BAE Systems announced the successful live firing of its APKWS laser-guided rockets using the FLETCHER ground-based launcher. Other current development projects for FLETCHER include a boat-mounted marine variant and further development of the 23-round MLHS ground-based system, first unveiled at DSEI in 2019.
Marking a bold departure from the traditional concept of air-launched rockets for area suppressive fire, Arnold’s innovative approach uses advanced rocket-guidance technology to leverage ground-based launch platforms, meeting the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.
FLETCHER’s unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment. It employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads, already used in well-known programmes and readily available to global forces. As a result, the FLETCHER system is ‘rocket agnostic,’ allowing the user to fire in-service 2.75in rockets of choice.
“FLETCHER has generated huge interest globally with its unique capability to deliver organic, long-range precision firepower to even the smallest tactical element. It is great to see serious international interest developing into firm orders and we’re expecting much more to follow,” commented company President, Doug Wallace.
