Breaking News
French Army Successfully Tests Thales' New Generation SMK-Eco 120 mm Rifled Smoke Munitions.
On November 30, 2024, Thales announced the successful completion of the first dynamic firings of its new-generation 120 mm rifled smoke munition, the SMK-Eco, developed in-house. These tests, conducted on November 30, 2024, exceeded the initial requirements, marking an important step toward the operational deployment of this munition in line with the company’s societal and environmental commitments.
Thales 120mm SMK-Eco Rifled Smoke Munition (Picture source: French MoD)
Fully developed with internal funding, Thales’ smoke munition is designed to be fired from a rifled mortar, whether towed or mounted on the 2R2M system. This new generation of munitions allows for the rapid creation of a dense and effective smoke screen on the battlefield, providing essential strategic coverage to support frontline forces and protect troops on the ground. The rifled design of the munition ensures increased stability and accuracy during firing, thereby optimizing its operational effectiveness.
Development of the SMK-Eco began in January 2022, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of smoke munitions. After the prototyping phase completed in the summer of 2023, the first laboratory tests were carried out in September 2023. In March 2024, Thales initiated dynamic field trials with partner military units. These tests, completed in July 2024, confirmed the performance and reliability of the SMK-Eco, particularly its ability to generate a dense and stable smoke screen.
The SMK-Eco is a 120 mm rifled munition designed to be fired from the 2RM mortar system. It utilizes eco-friendly chemical compounds, reducing toxic emissions and post-use residues. The rifled design enhances in-flight stability, ensuring better accuracy and uniform smoke coverage. These features enable the SMK-Eco to provide effective coverage while minimizing its ecological footprint in operational areas.
The SMK-Eco uses smoke agents based on environmentally friendly chemical mixtures. Unlike traditional smoke munitions that often rely on halogenated compounds or other toxic substances, the SMK-Eco incorporates non-toxic smoke agents such as glycol-based and biodegradable resin mixtures. These agents produce dense and persistent smoke while reducing the emission of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This formulation allows for effective coverage without compromising the health of soldiers or damaging local ecosystems.
Thales designed the SMK-Eco smoke munition not only to deliver optimal military performance but also to minimize its environmental impact. A key aspect of this approach is the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions generated during the combustion of propellants and smoke agents. Below is an overview of Thales’ efforts to limit the CO₂ weight emitted by the SMK-Eco and the technologies employed to achieve this.
The SMK-Eco uses specially formulated chemical propellants designed to burn cleaner than traditional propellants. These low-emission propellants are based on advanced organic compounds that optimize combustion, thereby reducing the amount of CO₂ produced per munition. Although precise figures on the CO₂ weight emitted per shot are not publicly available, Thales claims that the SMK-Eco propellant formulation allows for a significant reduction in emissions compared to conventional smoke munitions. This reduction is achieved through more complete combustion and the use of less carbon-intensive chemical materials.
Compatibility with the 2RM mortar system, introduced in September 2023, allows for seamless integration of the SMK-Eco into military operations. The 2RM, renowned for its versatility, facilitates the rapid deployment of the smoke munition across various terrains. The SMK-Eco is scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2025, providing armed forces with a reliable and sustainable coverage solution that complies with strict environmental standards.
Thales emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the development of the SMK-Eco. By incorporating biodegradable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, Thales meets international environmental protection standards. This initiative is part of the company’s overall strategy to balance military performance with environmental responsibility, thereby reinforcing its position as an innovative leader in the defense sector.
As a reminder, the return to high-intensity warfare requires infantry to be equipped with armored combat vehicles possessing sufficient firepower to support future mechanized brigades and tactical groups. Thales’ 120 mm rifled mortar system (2R2M) perfectly meets this need by offering exceptional mobility and optimized firing and movement capabilities. Highly automated, the 2R2M allows for semi-automatic loading and firing of 10 rounds per minute, ensuring operational efficiency from the first salvo. Additionally, its advanced design guarantees a very high level of crew protection, enhancing safety in combat zones.
The 2R2M stands out for its improved accuracy, being three times more precise than a traditional smoothbore mortar, and for its maximum range of 8 to 13 kilometers. This increased accuracy allows for effective neutralization of enemy targets while minimizing the risk of accidental fires. Tested in the field across various operational theaters, the 2R2M has already been adopted by six NATO member countries, with over 170 systems deployed as part of military operations.