RAMPART: The Ultimate Multi-Platform Close-Combat Solution

A Steep Maturity Curve in Defense Solutions

In response to increasing asymmetric threats, Naval Group unveiled an innovative concept in 2023: the Multi-Purpose and Modular Launching System (MPLS). This close-in weapon system is designed with notable features:

• Impressive Firepower: The MPLS boasts a one-ton munitions payload, delivering both defensive and offensive capabilities.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: With its modular architecture, this system can carry various types of munitions simultaneously, making it future-ready to address attrition and saturation scenarios while staying agile against rapidly evolving threats.

Since its conception, the MPLS project has progressed rapidly, culminating in the development of a first demonstrator within just 14 months. By 2026, Naval Group, in collaboration with Thales, will execute a trials campaign to validate and qualify the demonstrator at the system level, featuring 68 mm rockets in a ground-to-ground configuration:

• January 30, 2026: The first ground firing sequence was successful, validating the launcher’s structural integrity during Thales’s 68 mm rocket launch.

• May 22, 2026: The second ground firing sequence took place in Canjuers, confirming the overall system performance with both laser-guided and unguided rockets in a land environment.

• Future trial and qualification phases at sea are set to occur by September 2026, aiming for industrialization thereafter.

Now at an industrial maturity stage, this system is ready to be integrated into Naval Group’s lineup as Rampart.

Transforming Close-Range Combat Solutions

As a close-in weapon system effective up to 8 km, Rampart consists of:

• A two-axis mobile turret capable of bearing and elevation, equipped with four ammunition modules;
• A container-format flatrack allowing Rampart to be deployed and relocated independently;
• A sophisticated fire control and dedicated computing units;
• The ability to track and engage maneuvering targets;
• An interface for standalone operation or integration within naval combat systems or land-based Command and Control (C2) networks.

Breaking away from traditional launcher models, Rampart’s modular design allows for “agnostic” use, accommodating a diverse range of munitions within one launcher:

• Laser-guided and unguided rockets;
• Short-range surface-to-air missiles;
• Anti-tank and multi-role missiles;
• Grenades and airburst munitions;
• Decoys;
• Underwater weapons;
• Drones;
• Loitering munitions;
• And any future munitions defined.

The turret’s ammunition modules can be swiftly reconfigured in operational conditions to meet mission-specific requirements, providing responsive engagement costs against various threats. This versatility also allows for future enhancements with predictable costs and timelines.

Rampart offers unmatched modularity and versatility unmatched by any other product on the market.

Multi-Environment Adaptability

Initially designed for naval operations, Rampart can also adapt to a land-based version, whether fixed or mobile, offering multi-domain capability for naval, land, and air forces.

In land configuration, Rampart can support:

• Low-altitude ground-based air defense;
• Counter-UAS operations;
• Protection of airbases, ports, logistics areas, and critical infrastructure;
• Escort for combined arms tactical groups;
• Defensive and offensive support against vehicles, troops, or positions;
• Deployment of drones and loitering munitions.

With its mobile, discreet, and rapidly deployable nature, Rampart ensures quick firing capability and the ability to reposition or withdraw immediately.

Unlimited Configuration Potential

The configuration potential of Rampart is virtually limitless, enabling collaborations with ammunition manufacturers. Naval Group has already established partnerships with leading industrial players to provide a wide range of conventional and adapted munitions for asymmetric threats, facilitating optimal threat engagement at suitable costs.

For partner industries, the opportunities are substantial, as they can boost sales volumes and penetrate new markets throughout Europe and globally, given Rampart’s compatibility across various platforms and combat systems.

February 3, 2025 – Naval Group and Thales announced a partnership for integrating 70 mm rockets, already operational in several armed forces.

January 30, 2026 – Naval Group and Thales solidified a partnership for the integration of 68 mm rockets, utilized in various armed forces for over 15 years.

June 16, 2026 – Naval Group and EDGE Group’s smart weapons producer, HALCON, collaborated for firing trials of the HALCON SKYKNIGHT air defense missile utilizing Rampart. Conducted in the UAE from 2026 to 2027, this campaign will involve land and sea phases to prepare for SKYKNIGHT’s integration into Rampart. Designed to counter a range of modern threats, SKYKNIGHT offers advanced protection for mobile and static assets with precise surface-to-air interception capabilities at distances up to 10 km.

Ongoing discussions with ammunition manufacturers in France and beyond aim to enable the integration of munitions tailored to specific operational needs.