German Navy's Laser Weapon System on Track for 2029 Deployment After Successful Trials

Key Milestone Achieved in Naval Laser Weapon Development

Düsseldorf/Schrobenhausen, Germany – German defense contractors Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have announced a major advancement in the development of a high-energy naval laser weapon system, with an operational deployment for the German Navy projected as early as 2029. This follows a year of successful sea trials and the subsequent transfer of the laser demonstrator to the Laser Competence Centre at the Bundeswehr's Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for continued testing.

The collaborative project, initiated in 2019, aims to provide the German Navy with a cutting-edge defense capability against modern threats.

Successful Sea Trials Aboard FGS Sachsen

The demonstrator underwent extensive testing over a year aboard the German Navy frigate FGS Sachsen. During this period, it completed over 100 live-firing trials under real operational conditions at sea. These tests showcased the system's ability to precisely track and engage drones and other fast-moving airborne targets. Notably, these trials marked the first successful demonstration in Europe of such a system operating under real conditions without requiring terrain as a beam block, proving its effectiveness and precision.

The containerized system, currently operating in the 20 kW power class, demonstrated its robustness and performance in neutralizing small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and light surface targets.

Future Capabilities and Division of Labor

The naval laser weapon system is designed to serve as a cost-effective complement to traditional missile interceptors, enhancing the defense against a range of non-cooperative targets. Its primary defensive role will focus on neutralizing:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
• Drone swarms
• High-speed surface vessels

Future iterations are expected to be scalable, potentially exceeding 100 kW, which would enable them to engage larger threats such as fast attack boats, cruise missiles, or even hypersonic weapons.

The development effort sees a clear division of responsibilities between the two companies. MBDA Germany is responsible for target detection and tracking sensors, operator control consoles, and integration with the ship's combat management system. Meanwhile, Rheinmetall provides the high-energy laser source, beam guidance technology, aiming system, and the mechanical integration of the naval deck-mounted demonstrator container.

Next Steps Towards Operational Readiness

With the demonstrator now at WTD 91 in Meppen, land-based qualification and further evaluations will focus on countering drones and loitering munitions from fixed positions. The roadmap indicates that a procurement decision could be made by 2027. If trials continue to meet the Bundeswehr's benchmarks, initial operational units could be installed on Sachsen-class or F126-class frigates by 2029. This development positions Germany to join nations like the United States and Israel in fielding operational naval laser weapon systems.