BERLIN — Germany has awarded a contract to MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition to develop a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy, marking a major step in the country's efforts to strengthen its future naval defense capabilities with directed-energy technology.
Germany's Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed the contract on July 9, 2026, with the High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator Working Group (ARGE HEL). The ARGE HEL consists of MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition, with the two companies currently establishing a joint venture to carry out the program.
The laser weapon system is expected to become operational by 2029. The contract is valued in the mid three-digit million-euro range and covers the development of a complete maritime laser weapon system, including the entire operational chain from reconnaissance and target tracking to engagement.
According to the companies, the joint venture will place particular emphasis on German supply chains and domestic systems expertise during development to help secure Germany's national sovereignty in this key technology.
Complete System for the German Navy
The laser weapon system is being developed to meet the operational requirements of the Bundeswehr and strengthen the German Navy's defense capabilities against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets.
Roman Koehne, Head of Rheinmetall's Weapon and Ammunition Division, said the project demonstrates the technological maturity achieved by combining the complementary capabilities of Rheinmetall and MBDA into a complete system.
He said the laser weapon system will provide significantly greater protection for personnel deployed aboard German naval vessels, particularly against drone threats. Koehne added that series production will largely take place in Germany, creating new training and employment opportunities.
Demonstrator Successfully Completed Extensive Trials
The development program builds on the successful High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator jointly developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall.
In March 2026, the demonstrator repeatedly showcased its capabilities to senior German military delegations at the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen.
Before those demonstrations, the system had already spent more than one year aboard the German Navy frigate SACHSEN, covering approximately 28,000 nautical miles across the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Mediterranean Sea while demonstrating its effectiveness under operational conditions, including adverse weather.
During more than a year of testing and operational use at sea and at WTD 91, the demonstrator successfully fired more than 1,000 shots against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets while also completing numerous target-tracking activities.
Precision Laser Technology
According to Rheinmetall, the system's refined beam quality and tracking capability allow the laser power to be focused with extreme precision, including against moving targets.
The laser can concentrate its energy onto an area measuring just a few centimetres, creating a very high energy density that enables targets to be engaged more quickly, more precisely, and more effectively while using less laser power.
Rheinmetall is responsible for the laser weapon station, beam guidance system, cooling system, and the integration of the complete system into its containerized platform.
Domestic Production and Future Applications
The companies said series production will largely take place in Germany, supporting domestic supply chains while strengthening national expertise in directed-energy technology.
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland and Executive Vice President Strategy & Future Growth at MBDA, said the laser weapon system is a flagship technology project designed specifically to meet the Bundeswehr's operational requirements.
He said the system will significantly strengthen the German Navy's defense capabilities against airborne, maritime, and land-based targets. He also noted that the containerized laser effector could provide a cost-efficient solution for port security as well as other stationary and mobile land-based applications.
Operational Goal by 2029
MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall have been cooperating on high-energy laser technology for several years, and the new contract moves the program from the demonstrator phase toward an operational capability.
With development now underway, the German Navy is expected to receive the high-energy laser weapon system by 2029, providing a new directed-energy capability for maritime operations while supporting Germany's domestic defense industrial base.
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