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Rheinmetall, MBDA to Form German Naval-Laser Joint Venture in Q1 2026

The companies aim to accelerate a German-made laser for short-range drone defense, with operational readiness targeted from 2029.

Overview

  • The partners will establish a Germany-based GmbH to consolidate naval-laser activities and retain development and production sovereignty.
  • A jointly developed demonstrator completed a year of shipboard trials with more than 100 firing and tracking tests under operational conditions.
  • The prototype has been transferred to the Bundeswehr’s WTD 91 facility in Meppen for continued evaluation, including further land-based drone-defence testing.
  • The system is positioned as a complement to guns and guided missiles, optimized for countering drones at short and very short ranges.
  • The manufacturers report euro-coin-scale tracking precision and project market readiness and regular operational use from 2029.