PARIS, — June 17, 2026 : French defense company Naval Group has officially introduced Rampart, its new Multi-purpose and Modular Launching System (MPLS), during the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris. The system, originally revealed as a self-funded development program in 2023, is designed as a highly adaptable close-in weapon system (CIWS) capable of supporting both naval and land-based operations through a single modular launcher architecture.
The unveiling marked a major milestone for the program, as Rampart was displayed for the first time mounted on a ground vehicle, demonstrating Naval Group’s effort to expand the system beyond maritime applications and into the land warfare sector.
Alongside the launch, Naval Group announced a partnership with UAE defense company HALCON, part of EDGE Group, to integrate and test the SkyKnight surface-to-air missile on the Rampart platform.
Designed for Multi-Mission Defense
Rampart has been developed to address a broad range of modern threats, including drones, rockets, artillery, mortars, small surface targets, and low-flying aircraft. Unlike conventional systems that use dedicated launchers for individual weapon types, Rampart employs a modular architecture that allows operators to configure the launcher with different munitions depending on mission requirements.
Constructed using advanced composite materials, the system can carry up to 1,000 kilograms of payload while maintaining a lightweight structure. A fully loaded turret weighs less than 3,500 kilograms and incorporates stabilization systems for operation in various environments.
Each turret is equipped with four interchangeable launch modules, enabling users to select different combinations of rockets, missiles, loitering munitions, decoys, or future effectors.
Multiple Ammunition Options
Rampart's modular design enables a wide range of payload configurations.
The system can accommodate:
- Up to 80 French-standard 68mm laser-guided rockets, with 20 rockets installed in each module.
- Up to 48 NATO-standard 70mm rockets, with 12 rockets per module.
- Between 16 and 24 very short-range air defense missiles (VSHORAD) or MANPADS-type missiles, depending on missile size and configuration.
The launcher has also been designed to support future integration of additional effectors, including loitering munitions, guided missiles, grenades, and decoy systems.
To enhance targeting capabilities, Rampart can be fitted with an optional electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite and laser designator, enabling integration with existing national command-and-control and sensor networks.
Expansion Into Land Warfare Applications
Although initially developed with naval requirements in mind, Rampart's presentation at Eurosatory 2026 highlighted its role in ground-based air defense and force protection missions.
The launcher was showcased mounted on an Arquus Zetros 2648A 6×6 truck, providing a mobile platform capable of rapid deployment and repositioning.
The vehicle selection is notable because Arquus received a contract from the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) in December 2025 to supply up to 7,000 Zetros trucks under the French military’s logistics modernization program.
Naval Group is seeking a development contract from either the French DGA or an export customer by early 2027. If a contract is awarded within that timeframe, deliveries of the land-based variant could begin before the end of 2027.
Testing Campaign Demonstrates Operational Capability
Development of Rampart has progressed rapidly since the completion of a demonstrator in 2025.
The system conducted its first live firing test in January 2026, successfully launching a Thales 68mm laser-guided rocket.
More advanced trials followed in May 2026 at the French Army’s Canjuers training range, attended by representatives from the DGA and the French Armed Forces.
During the trials, Rampart demonstrated several operational scenarios:
- A guided rocket strike against a target located 3.5 kilometers away, designated by a Rafale fighter aircraft.
- Engagement of a nearby target designated by an infantry soldier using a laser designator.
- A rapid salvo launch involving five unguided rockets.
Additional land-based firing tests are planned during the second half of 2026.
Naval Trials Scheduled for October 2026
Rampart's first maritime firing campaign is scheduled for October 2026 during the French Navy’s WildFire counter-drone exercise.
The demonstration is expected to take place aboard a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, where the system will be evaluated against maritime and aerial threats.
Following the French Navy trials, the launcher will be transferred to Belgium for testing with Thales Belgium’s 70mm rockets, supporting potential future integration into Belgian naval platforms.
SkyKnight Missile Integration With EDGE Group
A key announcement at Eurosatory 2026 was the signing of an agreement between Naval Group and HALCON, the precision-guided weapons subsidiary of the UAE’s EDGE Group.
The agreement covers the integration and testing of the SkyKnight air-defense missile on the Rampart launcher.
SkyKnight is designed to engage aerial threats at ranges of up to 10 kilometers, including:
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
- Helicopters
- Fixed-wing aircraft
- Rockets
- Artillery projectiles
- Mortar rounds
Joint firing trials are scheduled to begin in the UAE later in 2026 and continue through 2027, initially on land before progressing to maritime demonstrations.
Building on Previous Integration Agreements
The HALCON agreement follows earlier partnerships signed to broaden Rampart’s weapons ecosystem.
At Euronaval 2024, integration agreements were signed with Thales covering the Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM) and the TOUTATIS loitering munition. Additional cooperation with KNDS includes integration of the IXOS XX and IXOS LG loitering munition families.
Rampart has been developed as an open-architecture platform capable of integrating weapons and sensors from multiple suppliers.
Growing Export Interest
The system is not restricted to specific ship classes, missile manufacturers, or national sensor systems, allowing customers to tailor configurations to operational requirements.
The upcoming UAE trials are linked to a potential requirement from the UAE Navy, which is evaluating options to replace aging Raytheon RAM launchers on vessels including the Bani Yas-class corvettes.
The Belgian Navy is also evaluating Rampart equipped with 70mm rockets for potential integration aboard Oostende-class mine warfare motherships and future frigates.
With ongoing testing, international partnerships, and expanding integration options, Rampart is being developed as a modular close-range defense solution for both naval and land-based operations.
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