Rheinmetall and MBDA to Launch Joint Venture for Naval Laser Weapons by 2026
Rheinmetall and MBDA in Germany are preparing to establish a joint venture in the first quarter of 2026, focusing on naval laser weapon activities. Building on their cooperation that began in 2019 and the successful deployment of a naval laser demonstrator, the new entity will be tasked with developing and delivering advanced, high-performance laser weapon systems, initially intended for naval applications.
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| Credit: Rheinmetall & MBDA |
The naval laser demonstrator, after completing a one-year operational trial at sea, was transferred to the Laser Competence Centre of the Military Technical Service for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen. There, it was reactivated and continues to be employed for further land-based testing, particularly in drone defense scenarios. During its sea deployment, the system underwent more than 100 firing and tracking exercises against a variety of targets, including tests conducted under “Blue Sky” conditions without reliance on terrain to capture the beam.
The system demonstrated exceptional precision even under adverse environmental conditions and against challenging targets. It proved capable of locking onto and tracking an object as small as a One-Euro coin at long range, maintaining beam stability, and concentrating laser energy directly on the target. This accuracy ensures that the weapon does not overshoot, thereby maximizing safety and minimizing collateral damage.
Rheinmetall and MBDA’s naval laser solution is designed as a containerized High-Energy Laser (HEL) system. The modular design allows integration into standard shipping containers, enabling flexible deployment aboard naval vessels. The HEL complements conventional naval armaments by providing near-instantaneous, light-speed engagement against drones, swarms, and fast-moving boats, while also offering potential future capabilities against artillery shells and rockets.
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| Credit: Rheinmetall & MBDA |
The German Navy is expected to receive an operational version of this system to augment its existing guns and guided missiles. The weapon is particularly suited for countering drones and other highly agile threats at short and very short ranges. The demonstrator, which had already been integrated onto a naval vessel and tested under operational conditions, confirmed the system’s ability to deliver rapid, precise engagements with minimal collateral effects.
Operational trials were conducted aboard the German frigate Sachsen, where the HEL system successfully completed sea testing. The program aims to achieve full operational readiness for the German Navy by 2029, marking a significant milestone in the integration of directed-energy weapons into naval defense.
Within the partnership, MBDA is responsible for target detection, tracking, the control console, and command-and-control integration. Rheinmetall provides the high-energy laser source, beam guidance, aiming mechanisms, and mechanical integration. Together, the companies bring complementary expertise that ensures the system’s effectiveness in complex operational environments.
The next phase of development focuses on enhancing capabilities through continued land-based testing and refinement. The long-term objective is to deliver a fully operational system to the German Navy by 2029, while the joint venture structure will allow for broader production and potential expansion into other markets.
Written by Henry Wan
Henry Wan is an independent defense journalist with over 14 years of experience reporting on military affairs and security issues. He has covered defense strategies, military technology, and geopolitical developments with a consistent focus on accuracy, independence, and a comprehensive understanding of global security matters.