Working group contracted to develop high-energy laser weapon system for German Navy

The laser weapon system is expected to be operational by 2029, and the two companies are currently forming a joint venture for the purpose.

The contract value is in the mid three-digit million-euro range and covers the development of a complete system for maritime applications, including the entire operational chain from reconnaissance and target tracking to engagement.

The joint venture is placing particular emphasis on German supply chains and domestic systems expertise in its development work, in order to secure national sovereignty in this key technology. The complete system is tailored to the requirements and needs of the Bundeswehr.

“This is a striking demonstration of the level of technological maturity that can be achieved when the two leading system houses, Rheinmetall and MBDA, combine their complementary capabilities to create a complete system,” according to Rheinmetall’s head of weapon and ammunition division, Roman Koehne.

“The laser weapon system will provide significantly greater protection for our soldiers deployed on naval vessels, especially against drones.

“Series production will largely take place in Germany, creating new training and employment opportunities. We are delighted by the confidence shown in us through this contract.”

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In March 2026, the naval laser demonstrator reportedly repeatedly proved its capabilities to high-ranking German delegations at the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition in Meppen.

The demonstrator has already covered 28,000 nautical miles across the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean on board the frigate SACHSEN and has proven its effectiveness even in adverse weather conditions.

Over the course of more than a year of testing and operational use at WTD91, more than 1,000 shots were successfully fired at airborne, maritime and land-based targets.

The refined beam quality and tracking capability enable the laser power to be focused with extreme precision, even on moving targets.

The system developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall can focus its power onto an area measuring just a few centimetres.

“The laser weapon system developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall is a flagship technological project with a very high level of technological sophistication,” according to Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Executive Vice President Strategy & Future Growth at MBDA.

“It meets the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr and will significantly strengthen the German Navy’s defence capabilities against airborne, maritime and land-based targets.

“The containerised laser effector will also be cost-efficient for port security and other applications.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.