Germany Orders Development of a Laser Weapon System for the German Navy from MBDA and Rheinmetall
- The project is based on the integrated system demonstrator, which has undergone a full year of sea trials under operational conditions.
- Effectiveness against airborne, maritime and land targets has been demonstrated, including under adverse weather conditions.
- German supply chains and national system expertise in this key technology ensure national sovereignty.
On 9 June 2026, the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract with the Arbeitsgemeinschaft (ARGE) HEL, comprising MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, for the development of a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy.
A joint venture between MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH is currently being established for this purpose. The laser weapon system is scheduled to enter operational service in 2029.
The contract is worth several hundred million euros. It covers the development of a complete system for maritime applications and will cover the entire operational chain, from target detection and tracking through to engagement.
In their development work, the joint venture places particular emphasis on the use of German supply chains and national system integration expertise in order to preserve German sovereignty in this strategic technology.
“The MBDA and Rheinmetall laser weapon system is a flagship project with a very high level of technological maturity. It meets the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr and will significantly strengthen the German Navy’s defence capabilities against airborne, maritime and land targets. The containerised laser effector will also represent a cost-effective solution for port security as well as for other applications,” said Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Executive Vice President Strategy & Future Growth at MBDA.
Roman Koehne, Head of Rheinmetall’s Weapon and Ammunition division, stated: “This is a remarkable demonstration of the level of technological maturity that can be achieved when the two leading system integrators, Rheinmetall and MBDA, combine their complementary capabilities to create a complete system. The laser weapon system will provide personnel deployed aboard ships with a significantly higher level of protection, particularly in countering drones. Series production will be carried out largely in Germany, creating new training opportunities and employment. We are delighted by the confidence placed in us through this contract.”
The complete system is designed to meet the specific requirements and needs of the Bundeswehr.
In March 2026, the naval laser demonstrator repeatedly demonstrated its capabilities before high-ranking German delegations at the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle für Waffen und Munition (WTD91) in Meppen.
The demonstrator had already travelled 28,000 nautical miles aboard the frigate SACHSEN, operating in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea, demonstrating its effectiveness even under challenging environmental conditions.
During more than one year of trials and its deployment at WTD91, more than 1,000 successful firings were carried out against airborne, maritime and land targets.
The advanced beam quality and tracking capabilities enable the laser energy to be focused with extreme precision, including against moving targets.
The system developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall is capable of concentrating laser power on an area of only a few centimetres. Thanks to its very high energy density, targets can therefore be engaged more rapidly, with greater precision and efficiency, while using reduced laser power.
About MBDA
MBDA is a unique European multinational group and a world leader in complex weapons systems, playing an essential role in protecting nations.
Created in the spirit of international cooperation, MBDA and its more than 19,000 employees work together to support the sovereignty of its customer nations as well as that of allied countries around the world.
MBDA is owned by Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%).
Source: MBDA and Rheinmetall
