Overview
- The containerised high‑energy laser demonstrator was handed to the Laser Competence Centre at WTD 91 in Meppen for land‑based testing after sea trials.
- About a year of testing aboard the frigate Sachsen included more than 100 live‑firing events and tracking trials that contractors say proved precision and effectiveness, including tests conducted against the blue sky.
- The system targets drones, swarms and small fast craft as a low‑cost, rapid‑response layer that complements naval guns and missiles at close range.
- Rheinmetall and MBDA have partnered since 2019, with MBDA responsible for detection, tracking and control integration, and Rheinmetall handling aiming, beam guidance, the containerised integration and the high‑energy laser source.
- The companies state an operational naval laser could be available to the German Navy as early as 2029, while Rheinmetall separately announced a €1 billion joint venture with Bulgaria’s VMZ to produce artillery shells from 2027 and energetic materials from 2028.