At Eurosatory 2026, Naval Group is sharing the latest with its “Multi-purpose and Modular Launching System” (MPLS) close-in weapon system (CIWS). The French shipbuilder announced the name for the system: Rampart. A model of the launcher is showcased for the first time on a wheeled vehicle to highlight its land warfare application. Naval Group also announced a new partnerships inked in view to integrated a new surface to air missile.
Rampart is a multi-ammunition and flexible RAM-like close-in weapon system (CIWS) currently under development by Naval Group for both the French Navy (Marine Nationale) and the export market.
The launcher’s ability to deploy multiple effectors from a single launcher, as opposed to the traditional one-launcher-per-weapon approach, represents a major breakthrough: a single system for a wide variety of weapons and decoys. Naval Group’s modular launcher features innovative interchangeable ammunition modules that support a substantial payload capacity, accommodating up to 1,000 kilograms of various munitions. Leveraging advanced composite materials and disruptive technologies, Naval Group has maximized the launcher’s loading capacity enabling a high payload capacity for close-range defense of surface vessels. Each turret is outfitted with four launch modules, enabling a versatile mix of weapons and decoys tailored to specific threats and missions. 20x 68mm laser-guided rockets (by Thales, 68mm being a French military standard) fit in a single module, meaning a Rampart launcher may accommodate up to 80x rockets. In the case of 70mm rockets (which is the NATO standard), 12x rockets can fit in a single module (for a total of 48 rockets). Regarding very short range / MANPAD style missiles, 4 to 6 ammunition may fit in a module (depending on the missile type).
At Eurosatory 2026, Rampart is showcased for the first time fitted aboard a wheeled vehicle, a Zetros 2648A 6×6 truck by Arquus. This highlights a strong interest for the system among land forces, according to Frank Ferrer, director of Systems, Equipment and Propulsion at Naval Group.
“The existing prototype is ready for industrialization for land-based applications. What remains to be done for the naval version is to adapt the system to withstand the marine environment such as sea spray, etc” Frank Ferrer told Naval News.
Naval Group is hopeful to secure a development contract by early 2027 with the DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments) or an export customer. For the land version of Rampart, Naval Group is confident they can deliver the first units at the end of 2027 of the order is placed in early 2027.
Firing campaigns with Rampart
Rampart (then known as MPLS) was first unveiled in the fall of 2023 as a 100% self-funded project. Naval Group has since made progress: A demonstrator was built last year and several firing campaigns involving guided rockets took place this year, with more to come.
The very first firing of Rampart took place in January 2026 and involved a 68mm guided rocket by Thales. Some more complex firings took place in May at the French Army range in Canjuers. They involved three scenarios:
Rampart continues its land trials at camp Canjuers in the presence of @DGA and French forces, with the firing of 68 mm laser-guided and non-guided rockets.
This success confirms the relevance of a modular & agile approach to face evolving threats.
Next step: sea trials! pic.twitter.com/rtMNOTMdMa
