Uncharted territory

The laser weapon project for the navy continues after an extremely successful start. The engineers involved are entering uncharted territory - and face new challenges every day.

In 2020, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) commissioned Arge Hochenergielaser Marinedemonstrator, a joint venture between Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and MBDA Deutschland, to develop and manufacture a laser weapon demonstrator (LWD). The aim was to investigate the state of the art for this new type of weapon system and gain initial experience in its use. The LWD was brought on board the frigate Sachsen in June 2022.

The trial period of almost a year began with investigations into the range and precision of the radar, optical sensors and tracking system. The latter has to be optimised for successful combat with