The Rampart launcher, developed by Naval Group, has entered a new phase of its development after successfully completing its first sea trials as part of the Wildfire anti-drone exercise. Conducted by the French Naval Action Force (FAN) between September 28 and October 2, 2026, the trials took place off the coast of Toulon. The exercise involved six ships, including two Horizon-class air defense frigates and, for the first time, an amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA) from the Mistral class, the Tonnerre. The drills simulated real-world scenarios by deploying drones from the Levant island (Var) by teams from the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA), representing potential threats. Designed to provide ships with a cost-effective way to intercept drones, rockets, and missiles, the Rampart system features four interchangeable modules. Each module can hold either 20 guided 68 mm rockets or 80 unguided rockets for a full launcher. Intended as a close-range defense system, the Rampart serves as the final layer of protection when threats are very close. During the trials, the system fired unguided 68 mm rockets made by Thales at a floating target and a guided 68 mm rocket at a drone target in flight. A Polish Piorun surface-to-air missile was also loaded into one of the modules, though it was not fired during the first sea campaign. The missile’s seeker, however, successfully locked onto a drone target. The Wildfire exercise also included the use of various naval air force assets, such as Rafale Marine aircraft, a maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique 2, and multiple helicopters. These forces engaged with simulated threats, including air and surface drones deployed by the DGA Missiles Test and Expertise Center. The exercise aimed to prepare FAN ships and aircraft to respond to drone-related threats during real operations, testing new equipment in conditions similar to those encountered in actual combat. The Rampart system was among several new technologies tested during the exercise, developed in collaboration with eight industrial partners. These trials represent a significant step in modernizing naval defense capabilities, ensuring that French forces are equipped to handle the growing challenge of drone-based threats in maritime environments.