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Contract signed on July 9 by BAAINBw commissions MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition to develop the operational system planned for 2029, leveraging results from a test campaign that evaluated tracking, engagement, and integration against different threats in realistic conditions.
On July 9, Germany contracted the development of a naval laser weapon expected to enter service by 2029. Created by MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition, the system aims to enhance ship protection against drones and other aerial, maritime, and land targets.
Contract turns tests into a combat-ready system
According to rheinmetall, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed the contract with the High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstration Working Group (ARGE HEL).
The ARGE HEL is formed by MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. The two companies are also creating a joint venture dedicated to overseeing the program.
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The agreement marks the transition from years of technological demonstrations to the development of a combat-ready operational system. According to Rheinmetall, the naval laser weapon is expected to enter service by 2029.
The technology is designed to reinforce the German Navy’s defense, especially in light of the expanding use of drones and attacks carried out by groups of unmanned aerial systems.
Roman Koehne, head of Rheinmetall’s Weapons and Ammunition Division, stated that the project demonstrates the level of technological maturity achieved when Rheinmetall and MBDA combine their complementary capabilities into a complete system.
According to Koehne, the weapon will significantly enhance the protection of soldiers deployed on warships, particularly against drones. He also informed that mass production will be carried out largely in Germany.
Naval laser weapon underwent a year of testing
The program is based on the High Energy Laser (HEL) demonstrator, which underwent an extensive testing campaign for a year aboard a German Navy frigate.
In operational evaluations, the demonstrator proved its effectiveness against different threats. The list of tested targets included aerial, maritime, and terrestrial objects under conditions considered realistic for operation.
The results validated the technology’s tracking, engagement, and integration capabilities. This stage provided German defense authorities with the necessary confidence to authorize the next phase of development.
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Executive Vice President of Strategy and Future Growth at MBDA, described the system as a flagship and highly sophisticated technology project.
According to Gottschild, the technology meets the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr and is expected to considerably strengthen the German Navy’s defense against threats from the air, sea, and land.
The executive added that the laser effector installed in a container could also be economically viable for port security and other applications.
Technology offers shots as long as there is electrical power
Laser weapons are considered a relevant component for future naval air defense because they can hit drones, missiles, and other emerging threats at the speed of light.
Unlike conventional missile-based interceptors, these systems have a virtually unlimited magazine, as long as the ship has sufficient electrical power available to maintain its operation.
Another advantage presented in the material is the significant reduction in cost per shot. The combination of these characteristics allows the technology to complement traditional defense systems formed by missiles and cannons.
This possibility gains importance for navies that need to respond to the growing threats represented by unmanned aircraft and swarm attacks.
Production is expected to occur mainly in Germany
Rheinmetall reported that most of the serial production will be carried out in Germany. The measure is expected to strengthen the country’s defense industrial base and preserve its technological sovereignty in a strategic area.
The cooperation brings together MBDA’s experience in guided weapon systems and Rheinmetall’s competencies in sensors, fire control, and high-energy laser technologies.
In addition to manufacturing, the program is expected to create new training and employment opportunities in the country. For the companies, the development could place Germany among the leading nations involved in the production of operational naval laser weapons.
