New counter-drone launcher completes shipboard firings on French Navy vessels

Naval Group conducted shipboard trials of its Rampart counter-drone launcher during Exercise Wildfire, held from September 28 to October 2 aboard the French frigates Chevalier Paul and Lorraine and the helicopter carrier Tonnerre. The first at-sea firings took place from Tonnerre off Toulon using guided and unguided Thales 68 mm rockets, with a containerized counter-drone system controlling the launcher. Rampart uses four interchangeable ammunition modules that can also accommodate 70 mm rockets or lightweight missiles. Naval Group expects the self-funded system, which can operate independently or integrate with a ship’s combat system, to be ready for series production by early 2027.