Frigate "Sachsen": Laser weapon demonstrator successful

From a press release by ARGE Hochenergielaser Marinedemonstrator:
Following the integration of the laser weapon demonstrator (LWD) on the frigate 124 "SACHSEN" in June 2022, sea trials of the LWD were successfully completed. The working group (ARGE) High Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator, consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, is responsible for the development and construction of the LWD and for supporting the test campaigns planned and organised by the BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support).

During the almost one-year trial, which included a total of six campaigns, the laser weapon demonstrator (LWD) showed its capabilities in increasingly complex scenarios under realistic operational conditions against various targets. All aspects were tested, from tracking - including highly agile targets - to the interaction of sensor technology, command and control/weapon deployment system and effector, possible rules of engagement and the successful engagement of targets using high-energy laser radiation.

Frigate "Sachsen" with LWD amidships port side. Photo: Michael Nitz

In more than 100 test firings on board the frigate "SACHSEN", the LWD demonstrated that a laser weapon is capable of successfully engaging a wide variety of targets in the maritime environment. At the end of the trials, the capabilities of the LWD were successfully demonstrated during two VIP days to an audience of high-ranking representatives from the BAAINBw, the German Navy, the German Army and the Bundeswehr Planning Office, including the firing of a drone. Representatives from the British, Dutch and Norwegian navies also took part in the demonstration. The success of the test campaign is the result of the good cooperation between the BAAINBw including its subordinate departments, the German Navy and in particular the command of the frigate "SACHSEN" and the ARGE.

With the completion of almost a year of testing, the client BAAINBw and industry have gained important insights into the possible applications, performance and development potential of high-energy laser effectors. These are to be used to minimise the risk for the possible next phase, the development of an operational laser weapon system.

An operational laser weapon system is suitable as a complement to tube weapons and guided missiles, particularly for defence against drones, swarms of drones or attacking speedboats and, if necessary, guided missiles at close and close range. The use of a laser weapon against supersonic guided missiles and rockets as well as mortar and artillery shells appears possible in the future - but only after further development and performance enhancement of the weapon.

marineforum has already reported on the demonstrator several times.

Background MBDA:

MBDA develops and manufactures missile and air defence systems that meet the current and future requirements of all branches of the armed forces (air force, army and navy). With sites in five European countries (France, UK, Italy, Germany and Spain) and in the USA, MBDA has a turnover of 4.2 billion euros in 2022. In total, MBDA offers 45 missile systems and countermeasure products that are already in operational use. Another 15 are in development. MBDA is a joint venture between Airbus (37.5 %), BAE Systems (37.5 %) and Leonardo (25 %).

Background Rheinmetall:

Rheinmetall AG, headquartered in Düsseldorf and listed on the stock exchange, is an integrated technology group. Today, it is a leading international systems supplier to the defence industry and at the same time a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in the civilian markets. Rheinmetall AG is organised into five divisions: Vehicle Systems, Weapon and Ammunition, Electronic Solutions, Sensors and Actuators, and Materials and Trade. At 131 locations worldwide, the 28,000 employees generated annual sales of around 6.4 billion euros in 2022. Rheinmetall AG has been listed on the DAX since March 2023. Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, which is part of the Weapon and Ammunition division, is responsible for Rheinmetall's high-energy laser activities.