Germany orders a ship’s laser weapon system

Germany launched a program to build an operational laser weapons system for Deutsche Marine ships. MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition have until 2029 converted a sea-tested demonstrators into a complete system designed for installation on their warships.

German laser goes to the next stage

On 9 July, the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Support for the Operation of the Bundeswehr, BAAINBw, concluded an agreement with the ARGE HEL Working Group. It is created by MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition, which also prepares the establishment of a joint company responsible for the implementation of the program.

The contract value is within the average three-digit range of millions of euros. The order is not just about the order itself laser emitter, but a complete system including target detection, tracking, beam guidance and paralysis.

Thus, the program goes beyond the stage of technological trials. It will be the task of contractors to prepare a solution that meets the requirements of the Bundeswehr and is suitable for regular use on Deutsche Marine ships.

Response to the increasing threat from drones

The system is intended primarily to protect ships from unmanned aircraft, including attacks conducted simultaneously by more cameras. Small water units and facilities on land are also listed among the expected targets.

Laser weapons are intended to supplement ship and rocket artillery anti-aircraft kits. Its advantage will be the possibility of repeated use without having to fire guided missiles, whose number on the ship remains limited.

However, this does not mean giving up existing weapons. The effectiveness of the laser depends on power supply, cooling, atmospheric conditions and maintaining the beam for the desired time. The system is therefore intended to extend existing ship defence, particularly in combating small and relatively low-cost targets.

Demonstrator at sea

The basis for further work is a demonstrators previously tested on frigate Sachsen Type F124. During the trial programme, it travelled about 28,000 nautical miles in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

The study was then continued at WTD 91 in Meppen. Over a year, more than 1,000 aerial, water, and land shots were fired. According to manufacturers, the system has retained the ability to track and target targets also in unfavourable weather conditions.

The beam can be concentrated in an area with a diameter of several centimeters, also while tracking an object remaining in motion. This allows the selected target to be affected when limiting the power needed to damage it.

Germany wants to retain its national competence

MBDA and Rheinmetall announce the use of the German supply chain and the location of a significant part of future production in the country. This is to ensure that the Bundeswehra can independently maintain, develop and integrate the system with the equipment of subsequent ships.

Manufacturers also point to the possibility of developing a container variety. This could be used to protect ports and other vulnerable facilities.

The signing of the contract by BAAINBw does not mean the introduction of a laser to the weapons of warships. Deutsche Marine. However, it begins a fundamental stage of work on the system, which is to be achieved by 2029 in a form that allows its operational use.