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Rheinmetall and MBDA have announced that a fully operational laser weapon system could be available for the German Navy from 2029.
Both German companies have been collaborating on the successful completion of a one-year trial phase at sea for a high-energy laser weapon system for maritime use against conventional guided missiles.
An operational laser weapon system would complement, not replace, traditional cannon and guided missile systems onboard naval ships for defence against drones and drone swarms, attacking speedboats and, if necessary, guided missiles.
“Thanks to WTD 91’s support during the acceptance process, the demonstrator was successfully commissioned at the Laser Competence Centre in Meppen. This represents an important step towards achieving rapid market and operational readiness for a future laser system for the Navy,” according to a statement from Rheinmetall.
“The containerised demonstrator has already been successfully tested several times over the course of a year under real operational conditions at sea on board the frigate Sachsen, proving the system’s robustness and performance. With the support of WTD 91 in Meppen, the laser container has now been put into operation for further land-based drone defence testing.
“Successful tests conducted on the frigate Sachsen proved the demonstrator’s tracking capability, effectiveness and precision under real operational conditions for the first time in Europe, also without using the landscape as beam block. These tests comprised over 100 live-firing trials and significantly more tracking trials.
“The laser weapon system offers new possibilities for counter-operations against non-cooperative targets. With its ability to precisely and effectively neutralise drones and other small, fast-moving targets, it addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time.
“In the future, it could also be equipped with greater capabilities and be used to destroy supersonic guided missiles and rockets, as well as mortar and artillery shells.”
Since 2019, both companies have been working closely together to develop high-energy laser effectors. MBDA in Germany has been responsible for target detection and tracking, the control console, and connecting the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system.
Rheinmetall’s responsibilities include the aiming system, beam guidance and the demonstrator container, as well as the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator on the deck of the frigate Sachsen and the high-energy laser source including its peripherals.
