Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have taken a key step toward deploying a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy. After completing a year-long series of sea trials, the companies have transferred their laser demonstrator to the Laser Competence Centre at the Bundeswehr’s Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for continued testing.
According to the two defense contractors, the demonstrator proved its effectiveness and precision in more than 100 live-firing tests at sea aboard the frigate SACHSEN. These tests marked the first successful demonstration in Europe of such a system under real operational conditions, without the need for terrain as a beam block.With support from WTD 91, the laser demonstrator has now been activated for further land-based trials focused on countering drones. The companies expect a fully operational system could be available to the German Navy as early as 2029.
The containerized system demonstrated its capability to neutralize small, fast-moving aerial targets with high precision and reaction speed. Once fielded, the laser weapon is intended to complement conventional shipboard defenses such as cannons and guided missiles, particularly against drones, drone swarms, and speedboats. Future upgrades could expand its role to intercepting supersonic missiles, rockets, and artillery shells.
Since 2019, Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have jointly developed high-energy laser effectors, dividing work nearly equally.
- MBDA Germany is responsible for target detection and tracking, the control console, and integration with the command-and-control system.
- Rheinmetall oversees the aiming mechanism, beam guidance, laser source, and the containerized demonstrator’s mechanical and electrical integration on the frigate.
The program builds on Germany’s expertise in optics and sensor systems, which underpin the precision of target detection and tracking. Both companies emphasized that the technology is fully “designed and made in Germany.”
The ongoing partnership between Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany aims to deliver a cost-effective and scalable weapon system for future naval operations, positioning the country among global leaders in directed-energy defense technologies.