Weapon system for drone defense

The physical destruction of uncrewed aerial systems represents the ultimate resort for countering illegally operated drones and defending against potential airborne attacks. Through a joint venture, the two defense companies, Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany, aim to accelerate the development of a weapon system for drone defense. This initiative builds on a collaboration that has been in place since 2019 to manufacture innovative laser weapon systems.

For over six years, MBDA Germany and Rheinmetall have been working together to develop a deployable laser weapon system for the German Navy. This system is intended to complement traditional gun systems and guided missiles, enabling the engagement of highly agile targets at close range, such as drones or even drone swarms. Recently, a containerized laser demonstrator was tested on board the frigate Sachsen under operational conditions, demonstrating its capabilities for tracking, effectiveness, and precision in real-world scenarios. A key focus has been the ability to engage targets in a „blue sky“ environment, where no landscape features can serve as reference points. The demonstrator has since been disembarked and is now located at the Laser Competence Center of the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle für Waffen und Munition (WTD 91) in Meppen, where it will be evaluated for potential land-based applications.

The planned joint venture for naval laser activities is set to be established in spring 2026, with a fully operational weapon system expected to be available by 2029. „With this GmbH, we are setting new standards in the development and production of cutting-edge military laser weapon systems designed and made in Germany“, explains Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany. „This underscores the advantages of our long-term collaboration and reinforces the commitment of both companies to rapidly make the successfully tested maritime product available on the market while providing the Bundeswehr with additional drone defense capabilities. By combining complementary and innovative core competencies, we can offer a technologically superior, qualified, and deployable laser weapon system for the German Navy.” 

Image: Rheinmetall