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A demonstrator laser weapon, which can fry enemy drones, has been delivered to Germany. The weapon is expected to be deployed for operational use starting in 2029. Developed by Rheinmetall and MBDA, the laser weapon could serve as a powerful and cost-effective addition to conventional guided missiles. The weapon’s effectiveness and precision have been proven under real operational conditions in over 100 firing tests. High-energy laser weapon system for maritime use The delivery of the latest system marks a major step in the development of a high-energy laser weapon system for maritime use, and highlights the strong partnership between the two German technology companies. The system successfully completed a one-year trial phase at sea. Defense contractors Rheinmetall and MBDA in Germany transferred the laser demonstrator for the Navy to the Laser Competence Center at the Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for further testing. 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. Laser weapon system offers new possibilities Rheinmetall highlighted that the containerized 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 defense testing. The companies pointed out that the laser weapon system offers new possibilities for counter-operations against non-cooperative targets. With its ability to precisely and effectively neutralize drones and other small, fast-moving targets, it addresses one of the most pressing challenges of current time. An operational laser weapon system complements cannons and guided missiles, particularly for the defense against drones and drone swarms, as well as for attacking speedboats and, if necessary, guided missiles in the closer and immediate vicinity, according to a press release. Weapon could also be equipped with greater capabilities The companies have claimed that the weapon could also be equipped with greater capabilities and be used to destroy supersonic guided missiles and rockets, as well as mortar and artillery shells. Unique technologies ‘designed and made in Germany’ ensure precise target detection and tracking, based on years of expertise in optics and sensor technology. The demonstrator currently operates at approximately 20 kilowatts, which is suitable for neutralizing small unmanned aerial vehicles and light surface targets. However, the architecture is designed to be scalable, with future versions expected to exceed 100 kilowatts for engaging larger threats, reported Defense News. MBDA in Germany is responsible for target detection and tracking, the control console, and connecting the laser weapon demonstrator to the command-and-control system. Rheinmetall’s responsibilities, however, 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, ultimately, the high-energy laser source, including its peripherals, as per the release.
