Germany Moves Closer to Deploying High-Energy Naval Laser Weapon by 2029

Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany have officially transferred their naval laser demonstrator to the Laser Competence Centre at WTD 91 in Meppen, marking the end of a year-long sea trial phase and the beginning of advanced testing on land. The move represents one of the most significant milestones in Europe’s laser weapon development effort and sets Germany on course to deploy its first operational high-energy laser weapon system (HELWS) by 2029.

Following an extensive series of successful trials aboard the German Navy’s F124-class frigate SACHSEN, the containerized laser weapon demonstrator has now been recommissioned for further testing at WTD 91’s land-based range, where it will undergo additional counter-drone and close-range threat assessments. The German defense technology evaluation center has played a key role in ensuring smooth commissioning and operational readiness, validating both the weapon’s robustness and performance in maritime environments.

Europe’s Directed Energy Capability

The Rheinmetall–MBDA demonstrator represents the first European laser weapon to undergo sustained operational trials at sea, proving its capability under real-world conditions. The system was tested in over 100 live-fire engagements and numerous tracking exercises against a variety of targets, including small drones and simulated fast-attack craft, demonstrating high precision, stability, and engagement speed — even under challenging environmental conditions such as vibration, humidity, and salt exposure.

One of the standout achievements of the program was the ability to track and neutralize drones without reliance on terrain as a beam block—a first for Europe—allowing safe and precise targeting “in front of blue sky.” This capability is vital for naval environments where engagements typically occur in open airspace.

Designed for Modern Naval Warfare

Once operational, Germany’s future HELWS will complement existing guns and guided missiles by providing a cost-effective, virtually limitless magazine option for drone, swarm, and missile defense. Laser weapons, unlike conventional systems, can engage multiple small targets in rapid succession with minimal logistical strain. The system’s scalable architecture also makes it adaptable to higher power levels, potentially enabling the neutralization of supersonic missiles, rockets, and artillery shells in future iterations.

By integrating advanced German-made optics, sensors, and beam control technologies, the system achieves pinpoint accuracy and rapid engagement cycles — essential for countering the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-cost precision munitions. The laser’s instantaneous response and ability to operate silently make it particularly suited for modern naval combat, where electronic warfare environments can render traditional munitions less effective.

Division of Expertise: Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany

Since their partnership began in 2019, Rheinmetall and MBDA have developed a tightly integrated approach to laser weapon design. MBDA Germany handles target detection and tracking, the operator interface, and integration into the ship’s command-and-control network — ensuring the weapon communicates seamlessly with the frigate’s existing combat systems.

Rheinmetall, on the other hand, is responsible for the beam guidance and aiming system, the containerized demonstrator structure, mechanical and electrical integration aboard the SACHSEN, and the core high-energy laser source itself, including its cooling and energy management subsystems.

The partnership has leveraged both companies’ extensive experience in electro-optics, automation, and system integration, aligning with Germany’s broader vision of creating indigenous, exportable directed-energy systems for NATO allies.

Toward Operational Deployment by 2029

According to Rheinmetall’s press release, the successful transfer of the laser demonstrator to WTD 91 marks the beginning of Phase II — advanced land-based testing that will refine the system’s target engagement algorithms, energy efficiency, and heat management. By late 2026, the program is expected to transition into pre-production configuration, paving the way for operational deployment aboard future German Navy vessels by 2029.

Germany’s HELWS initiative aligns closely with NATO’s strategic goal of developing layered air and missile defense solutions against emerging threats. As drone warfare continues to redefine modern battlefields, directed-energy weapons are becoming increasingly essential for both cost control and operational flexibility.

A Vision of the Future

The success of the Rheinmetall–MBDA laser demonstrator marks a turning point not only for Germany but for Europe’s defense industry as a whole. It showcases the continent’s ability to develop cutting-edge, indigenous weapon systems capable of matching — and potentially surpassing — similar U.S. and Israeli efforts in the directed-energy domain.

When operational, the German Navy’s high-energy laser weapon system could fundamentally change maritime defense paradigms, offering commanders a scalable, precise, and sustainable tool to counter asymmetric threats — from swarming drones to missile saturation attacks — with light-speed precision and near-zero per-shot cost.

In the words of Rheinmetall’s statement, this achievement represents “an important milestone toward achieving market and operational readiness for a future naval laser system,” and a testament to what European defense innovation can achieve when technology and purpose converge.