France successfully conducts second SyLEx sounding rocket test

The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) successfully completed a second experimental launch of the SyLEx sounding rocket during the night of November 3 to 4, 2026. The test took place at the DGA Missile Test site in Biscarrosse, within the Landes region.

Developed by ArianeGroup under DGA supervision, the SyLEx (Système de lancement d’expériences) serves as a sovereign national platform for suborbital and exo-atmospheric testing. This mission is a critical milestone for the development of the future M51.4 strategic missile. The program aims to provide France with independent testing capabilities for new technologies, including hypersonic demonstrators and various civilian applications.

This second successful flight, following the initial launch in November 2025, reinforces France's technological sovereignty by reducing reliance on foreign launch vehicles and sites. The rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 600 kg to altitudes ranging between 200 and 400 km.