Naval Group completes first at-sea firings from Rampart multi-weapon launcher

A Naval Group Rampart launcher prototype on display in Toulon on 6 October 2026, following removal from test multipurpose amphibious ship FS Tonnerre. (Richard Scott/NAVYPIX)

France's Naval Group has completed first at-sea weapon firings from its Rampart modular multipurpose launcher during prototype testing on board the French Navy multipurpose amphibious ship FS Tonnerre .

Confirming the milestone to Janes during a 6 October media briefing in Toulon naval base, Naval Group said the firings formed part of the ‘Wildfire 26.2' counter-drone exercise performed off the coast of Toulon between 28 September and 2 October 2026. Firings from Tonnerre were conducted using guided and unguided 68 mm rockets supplied by Thales.

Naval Group has self-funded the design and demonstration of Rampart to meet requirements for a multi-ammunition inner-layer defence system able to cost-effectively defeat low-cost unmanned air and surface threats. Using an electrically driven twin-axis turret integrated with a firing computer, the system features four interchangeable ammunition modules able to accommodate a range of different effectors including 68 mm rockets (20 per module), 70 mm rockets (12 per module), or lightweight multirole missiles/short-range air defence missiles (four per module).

Rampart weighs 3 tonnes (up to 4 tonnes fully loaded) according to Naval Group. The system, which is non-deck penetrating, can be fully integrated into the host ship combat management system, or operate in a standalone mode.