MBDA will develop an airborne laser demonstrator for the German Armed Forces. The key components of the Laser Pod will be designed from the outset to meet flight conditions.
MBDA Germany has received a contract from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to develop an airborne laser demonstrator. The airborne laser demonstrator is intended to establish the technological foundation for laser weapons that could be used on aircraft in the future, with the key components of the Laser Pod designed for flight conditions. Laser technology, which has been one of Germany’s strategic research and development priorities since 2019, is among the national key technologies identified under the federal government’s and Ministry of Defence’s Security and Defence Industry Strategy (SVI). MBDA is positioned as a long-term partner in the development of laser systems and weapons for all branches of the armed forces.
Technology Foundations for the Airborne Laser Demonstrator
Through its own investments in recent years, MBDA has advanced technologies for laser systems and produced and tested various demonstrators. The new contract aims to assess the feasibility of an airborne laser weapon and establish the technological foundation that will enable the German Air Force to use this capability in the future. In the airborne laser demonstrator project, the key components of the Laser Pod are planned to be designed for flight conditions, while MBDA is prioritising German supply chains and domestic systems expertise to safeguard sovereignty in this key technology.
The development of airborne laser weapons is considered one of the most challenging areas of laser weapon technology due to the demanding technical requirements relating to size, weight and resistance to flight conditions. Airborne laser weapons are expected to be used in the future, particularly for defence against unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. High-energy laser systems can also be used to protect aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, military personnel and associated infrastructure against various hostile threats.
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Source: C4Defence – MBDA
