To the Ramparts: New missile shield 'protects warships from drone swarms'

France unveils affordable missile shield to protect warships from drone swarms. Developed by Naval Group, Rampart system utilizes numerous low-cost laser-guided rockets instead of pricey interceptors like Patriot, as seen during the Iran war. The system underwent successful sea trials in the Mediterranean and was tested in a French Navy counter-drone exercise off Toulon.

Stephan Meunier, a former French navy commander involved in the programme, explained that Rampart creates a defensive shield around a warship in drone warfare. Naval Group projects to manufacture up to 10,000 Rampart systems by 2028. During tests, the system neutralized both aerial drones and unguided rockets directed at surface targets, firing laser-guided 68mm rockets with proximity fuses at a range of up to 6km.

The launcher comprises four modules, each carrying 20 projectiles, totaling a maximum load of 80 rockets. An experienced crew can reload a single 20-round module in approximately 10 minutes. Weighing around four tonnes, Rampart can be installed on smaller warships, including corvettes.

The cost-to-kill ratio of the Rampart system is highly effective, as demonstrated during the Iran war. Patriot missiles, costing over $4 million each, were used to destroy Shahed-136 drones priced at just $35,000, roughly equal in value to a guided 68mm rocket. Meunier emphasized that rockets offer a more efficient and cost-effective solution to tackle drone swarm attacks.

Given the growing threat of drones in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, warships equipped with Rampart would provide crucial close-in protection. The system can also be deployed as a ground-based solution to safeguard airports, military bases, and civilian areas. Rampart could offer robust defenses for fixed installations like airports and urban centers or military camps in the Gulf, as well as onboard warships.

In addition, Naval Group has developed a single Rampart module for its Sirenha unmanned surface vessel, enabling an autonomous drone boat to contribute to defensive capabilities. The French company is collaborating with Emirates defense group Edge to test the UAE-developed SkyKnight air-defense missile, starting with land trials followed by maritime testing next year. SkyKnight can engage aerial threats up to 10km away, potentially enhancing Rampart's defensive capabilities alongside its 68mm rockets.

There is a possibility that Rampart could be tested in Ukraine, where Kyiv faces a significant shortage of air defenses against daily Russian drone and missile attacks. If successful, Rampart could significantly contribute to defending key military and civilian sites from the threat of drone saturation attacks at a low cost.