A deck-mounted inclined munitions launcher is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the launcher includes a platform, two pivotally-coupled munitions canisters, and a drive system. An exhaust end of each munitions canister is movably coupled to the platform while the launch end of each canister is not coupled to the platform. A drive system engages the exhaust end of each munitions canister. The canisters lay substantially flat, side-by-side, in a pre-launch position. To raise the munitions canisters to a launch position, the drive system pulls the exhaust end of each of the canisters toward one another. Since the canisters are pivotally coupled, the pull of the drive system on the exhaust end of the canisters causes the launch end of each canister to rise in a scissoring motion.