Rocket Launcher Enters Next Generation Development Program

Arnold Defense’s FLETCHER development program will include the development, integration and testing of optical pointing for when laser designation is unavailable and digital fire control systems to increase operability, functionality and operational capability By DA Staff / 14 Oct 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Arnold Defense FLETCHER Rocket Launcher
Follow DA

Arnold Defense has launched a capability development program for its FLETCHER Land Based, Laser Guided Rocket Launcher that aims to deliver a future, next-generation suite of systems. 

The FLETCHER precision guided 2.75-inch/70mm weapon system was first unveiled in 2017 at DSEI in London, and a number of major orders were announced in October 2020. This announcement coincided with DSEI 2021, where Arnold Defense displayed its FLETCHER launchers.

Following the receipt of some direct operational feedback from current users of the FLETCHER system, Arnold Defense is launching this capability development program to investigate the potential to take the next generation of FLETCHER systems in a number of key directions. Specifically, the program will include the development, integration and testing of optical pointing, for use when laser designation is not an option and digital fire control systems to increase the operability, functionality and operational capability. 

The program also includes the development of a system to enable multiple clustered launcher configurations and notably, man-pack portable units for use by dismounted troops. This will allow FLETCHER to be used by small teams working on foot, giving the dismounted user the ability to accurately engage targets from the ground at a range of over 5km. 

Running concurrently with this future development program, Arnold Defense are already working on some other revolutionary development projects for FLETCHER including a boat-mounted marine variant and further development of their 23-round MLHS ground-based system. 

Arnold’s innovative approach to FLETCHER using advanced rocket-guidance technology to utilize ground-based launch platforms, meets 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 programs and readily available to global forces. As a result, the FLETCHER system is ‘rocket agnostic’ allowing the user to fire their existing in-service 2.75-inch rockets of choice with rockets from both BAE and Thales having been tested and certified for use. 

“We’ve listened very carefully to the feedback we’ve received from the operational use of the first generation FLETCHER system and we’re now developing a suite of possible future solutions to improve the operational capability and flexibility. Arnold Defense is committed to protecting the warfighter,” said Doug Wallace, President at Arnold Defense.

“FLETCHER has generated huge interest globally with its unique capability to deliver organic, long-range precision firepower to even the smallest unsupported tactical element. What we’re now developing will add even more to the firepower toolset on offer to the users.”

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Static Calibration Techniques for Silicon Designs Accelerometers

Learn how to perform quick, accurate static calibration of Silicon Designs MEMS DC accelerometers using only a voltmeter and gravity, no specialized equipment required

Jul 16, 2025
Disasters Expo USA & Resilient City Expo Co-Locating in Houston

Disasters Expo USA and Resilient City Expo will take place on November 5–6, 2025, bringing professionals to Houston to address crisis response and long-term resilience

Jul 15, 2025
General Digital’s Modular Approach to Rugged Display Design

General Digital outlines how its flexible design approach delivers rugged, customer-tailored military displays, rigorously tested in-house even when formal MIL-STD certification is not required

Jul 15, 2025
Precision Underwater Sensing for Critical Naval & Security Missions

Defense Advancement showcases Impact Subsea's underwater sensing technologies for naval and security missions

Jul 15, 2025
CDAO Defense & Security Conference to Address AI in Military Strategy

Corinium Global Intelligence will host the CDAO Defense & Security Conference on September 16–17, 2025, exploring the impact of digital frameworks, AI-enabled technologies, and advanced analytics on the defense sector

Jul 14, 2025
Lightweight Electrification Technologies for Mission Critical Military Power

Defense Advancement showcases electrification technologies, including the SCIO Brick battery platform, for ultra-reliable power in military and defense applications

Jul 14, 2025

Featured Content

Q&A: How Revector Supports Defense with Mobile Intelligence

This Q&A provides insight into Revector’s technology, detailing its role in covert surveillance, threat detection, and integration with defense and security systems

Jul 14, 2025
New Oscilloquartz Optical Cesium Clocks Enhance Network Timing Precision

Adtran is expanding its Oscilloquartz portfolio with the new OSA 3200 SP and OSA 3250 ePRC optical cesium models, providing improved holdover and simplified maintenance for telecom, data center, utility, and defense networks

Jul 09, 2025
Teledyne FLIR OEM Whitepaper: Synthetic Data Generation for AI Object Detection

Read Teledyne FLIR OEM’s whitepaper on AIMMGen™, a defense-oriented synthetic data and AI model generation pipeline tailored to Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) and object classification tasks

Jul 03, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.