Rheinmetall, MBDA Plan JV to Develop Ship-Based Laser Weapons

German companies Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland are planning to establish a joint venture to develop ship-based laser weapons.

This is according to German publication Hartpunkt. This collaboration marks a new phase in their partnership, which has focused on laser weapon technology for several years.

The proposed joint venture received approval from the German Federal Cartel Office in December 2024. While specifics about the organizational structure and product line remain undisclosed, the collaboration is expected to focus on advancing maritime laser weapon systems for naval applications.

Rheinmetall and MBDA have a track record of joint efforts in laser technology. Between 2022 and 2023, the two companies conducted trials of a laser demonstrator aboard the German Navy's frigate Sachsen under the High Energy Maritime Laser Demonstration Working Group (ARGE). This system demonstrated its capability to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drone swarms, and small speedboats at short and extremely short distances.

In September 2023, Rheinmetall and MBDA formalized their cooperation with an agreement to develop ship-based laser systems.

The laser demonstrator deployed during trials has a beam output of up to 20 kW, achieved by combining the output of 12 fiber laser modules, each generating 2 kW. The system's modular design allows for scalability, with the potential to reach beam outputs of up to 100 kW without design modifications.

Target acquisition and tracking are managed by MBDA, while Rheinmetall is responsible for laser generation, guidance systems, and overall integration. The system has demonstrated its effectiveness in engaging threats at close range, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), speedboats, and potentially guided missiles.

The tests involved over 100 shots, showcasing the system's operational readiness for countering evolving threats in maritime environments.

The system's design offers upgrade potential for addressing more complex threats, such as hypersonic missiles, rockets, and artillery shells.