Prix des LBD, grenades lacrymogènes, boucliers... Combien coûte le matériel du maintien de l'ordre ?

The French government has disclosed the cost of a standard 40‑mm riot‑control launcher (LBD), indicating that a fully equipped kit retails between €1,100 and €1,300. This figure represents the final assembled unit including sight, stabiliser and training materials, and serves as a benchmark for public‑sector procurements of non‑lethal weaponry.

On 16 August 2026, the Ministry of the Interior placed an order for 5,200 such kits, worth a total of €6 million. At roughly €1,154 per kit, the procurement sits squarely within the stated price range, suggesting that the Ministry has opted for a standardised set rather than bespoke variations. The order covers a wide swath of the police and civil‑security forces nationwide, as well as auxiliary units that require rapid-response equipment.

The announcement also referenced the purchase of complementary equipment—including the so‑called ‘centaures’, guards’ shields, and a series of tear‑gas grenades. While precise unit prices for these items were not disclosed, their inclusion underlines the government’s intent to equip officers with a full suite of riot‑control tools, from non‑lethal projectiles to defensive armaments. These combined purchases reflect a broader trend toward standardisation in police armament across France’s regions.

From a fiscal perspective, the 6‑million‑Euro order may appear modest when compared to high‑profile military contracts, yet the procurement of thousands of kits carries significant economic implications. The deal generates steady demand for domestic manufacturers of non‑lethal weaponry and could reinforce France’s position within the European market for urban policing equipment, where competition is still primarily supplied by a handful of established firms.

The purchase comes at a time of heightened public debate over the policing of mass demonstrations. Critics argue that the deployment of such large fleets of riot weapons risks escalating tensions, while supporters contend that the kits are essential for maintaining public order during widespread civil unrest. How the police and municipal bodies will balance these concerns while ensuring adherence to safety protocols remains under close scrutiny.

What will come next is likely twofold: firstly, further orders may be placed to replace or augment the existing fleet as the licensed lifespan of LBDs adds up to a decade, and secondly, investment into next‑generation non‑lethal technologies, such as acoustic wave devices and advanced crowd‑management equipment, is anticipated. Observers will be watching parliamentary debate and budgetary allocations to gauge whether the current procurement strategy will shift toward more sophisticated, potentially less‑lethal alternatives in the coming fiscal cycle.