The German Navy could have an operational laser weapon deployed at sea as early as 2029, according to industry partners.
Defence contractors Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have been working closely together to develop high-energy laser effector since 2019.
MBDA’s technology takes care of target detection and tracking, the control console, and linking to the command-and-control system; Rheinmetall’s responsibilities include the aiming system, beam guidance, container, mechanical and electrical integration, and the high-energy laser source.
As per a recent Rheinmetall press statement, after 12 months of testing on the air defence frigate Sachsen incorporating more than 100 live-firing trials and significantly more tracking drills, the two companies have handed over a demonstrator system to the German Navy.
Its Laser Competence Centre at the Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen will now carry out a series of further tests with a view to making the system available from 2029.
The statement noted: “This represents an important step towards achieving rapid market and operational readiness for a future laser system for the Navy.
“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.”
It added: “This technology has proven its high reaction speed and accuracy in combating drones, thereby significantly enhancing the effectiveness of drone defence.”
- You can read more details on the Rheinmetall website