French naval forces have deployed a new modular multi-purpose launcher called Rampart aboard the Mistral amphibious helicopter carrier during sea trials in the Gulf of Guinea. Developed by Naval Group, the system is designed to hold various modules that can be swapped out to handle different types of ammunition. This allows the system to address multiple threats using a single unit, offering flexibility in combat situations. The Rampart was previously tested in a ground-to-ground setup in Canjuers, but this marks its first evaluation at sea. Further testing is planned for October as part of an exercise focused on anti-drone warfare. The Mistral, a versatile amphibious carrier, currently has a relatively light armament, making the addition of Rampart an important upgrade for its self-defense capabilities. The system can deploy a range of ammunition, including rockets, missiles, grenades, decoys, and even underwater weapons and drones. It provides close-range protection up to eight kilometers, with potential for extending to ten kilometers. This capability is particularly valuable in countering asymmetric threats like drones and drone swarms, which are increasingly used in modern conflicts. Naval Group has highlighted the economic advantages of Rampart, pointing out that traditional methods of countering drones with expensive missiles can be costly and unsustainable. The system offers a more affordable solution by using less expensive projectiles to neutralize cheaper threats. The development of Rampart involved collaboration with major defense companies such as Thales, KNDS, and MBDA, which provided missile systems and other critical components. This modular approach could allow the system to be adapted for use on other key naval vessels, including first-line frigates and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.