The German Navy is preparing to add a laser weapon system to its inventory after more than a year of testing in tough maritime conditions with over 1,000 successful firings. BAAINBw has officially authorised the ARGE HEL working group, a partnership between MBDA and Rheinmetall, to develop this advanced high energy laser solution.
Germany has taken a new step to protect its naval platforms against modern threats. Under a contract signed between BAAINBw and the ARGE HEL industrial partnership, which includes MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, an advanced laser weapon system will be developed for the German Navy. The project, valued in the mid triple digit million euro range, is expected to be ready for operational use by 2029.
A Complete Engagement Chain for the Laser Weapon System
The laser weapon system under development will not just be an effector. It will incorporate a complete engagement chain covering detection, target identification, tracking and destruction. As C4Defence previously reported on 4 November 2025, Rheinmetall and MBDA have been working on this laser effector for some time to bring it to market readiness. The system will deliver effective results even at lower power levels, thanks to its ability to focus with high precision on moving targets.
Proven Success in Field Tests
The project is based on extensive testing carried out at the WTD91 facility in Meppen, Germany, in March 2026 and earlier naval trials conducted with the SACHSEN frigate. Over more than a year of testing, the laser demonstrator covered 28,000 nautical miles across the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean, proving its operational maturity with over 1,000 successful firings in adverse weather conditions.
Germany has made it a priority to preserve domestic industrial capabilities for this project. MBDA and Rheinmetall will focus on using German supply chains throughout the development and production of this high energy laser system. The two companies are also in the process of establishing a joint venture for this laser defence technology.
Superior Protection Against Drones with the Laser Weapon System
Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland, stressed that the laser weapon system is fully aligned with the Bundeswehr’s specific requirements and will also offer cost effective solutions for areas such as port security.
Roman Koehne, Head of the Weapons and Ammunition Division at Rheinmetall, said, “This project brings together the complementary capabilities of two leading system houses, Rheinmetall and MBDA. The laser weapon system will provide our soldiers serving on naval platforms with a much higher level of protection, particularly against unmanned aerial vehicles.”
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Source: C4Defence-MBDA Deutschland
