The German arms procurement agency has contracted a consortium of MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition to develop a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy.
The contract, valued in the several-hundred-million-euro range, covers the development of a complete maritime laser weapon system, including the entire operational chain from reconnaissance and target tracking to target engagement. Delivery is expected by 2029.
To execute the contract, the companies are establishing a joint venture, with a particular emphasis on German supply chains and domestic expertise throughout the program.
“The laser weapon system will provide significantly greater protection for our soldiers deployed on naval vessels, especially against drones,” Head of Rheinmetall’s Weapon and Ammunition Division Roman Koehne said.
“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.”
Naval Laser Demonstrator
The laser weapon will complement the German Navy’s existing cannons and guided missiles. It builds on Rheinmetall and MBDA’s jointly developed naval laser demonstrator, which has completed more than a year of sea trials aboard the frigate Sachsen.
During testing, the system traveled more than 28,000 nautical miles (51,856 kilometers/32,221 miles) across the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean, firing more than 1,000 successful shots at airborne, maritime, and land-based targets, including in adverse weather conditions.
The demonstrator also validated advanced beam quality and target-tracking capabilities, enabling the laser to precisely focus its energy on moving targets for faster, more effective engagement while requiring less power.
“The laser weapon system developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall is a flagship technological project with a very high level of technological sophistication,” Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland and Executive Vice President for Strategy & Future Growth at MBDA, Thomas Gottschild, said.
“It meets the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr and will significantly strengthen the German Navy’s defense capabilities against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets. The containerized laser effector will also be cost-efficient for port security and other applications.”
