Rheinmetall and MBDA plan to establish a joint venture (JV) in Germany focused on naval laser technology, with the new company expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The JV plans build on their partnership, which began in 2019, and follows the development and year-long testing of a naval laser demonstrator system aboard a German Navy vessel.
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Rheinmetall weapons and munitions division head Roman Köhne said: “This step demonstrates the potential of determined industrial and technological cooperation in Germany in order to produce cutting-edge technology.”
The new entity will be responsible for developing and delivering high-performance laser weapon systems, with an initial focus on equipping the German Navy.
The operational system is intended to work alongside existing guns and guided missiles, offering a capability that is effective against drones and other agile targets at close range.
MBDA Germany CEO Thomas Gottschild said: “With this GmbH (private limited company under German law), we are setting new standards in the development and production of state-of-the-art military laser weapon systems, designed and made in Germany.”
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By GlobalDataPreviously, MBDA and Rheinmetall developed a demonstrator that underwent integration on a naval ship, where it completed a year of operational testing.
The trials confirmed the system’s ability to engage targets accurately, rapidly and with limited collateral damage.
Over 100 firing and tracking tests were conducted against various targets in both sea-based and land-based scenarios.
The system was transferred following maritime trials to the Laser Competence Centre of the Military Technical Service for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for additional evaluation.
It is currently in operation there, where it is being used in further drone defence testing on land.
“By combining our complementary, innovative core competencies, we can offer the German Navy a laser weapon system that is technologically advanced, qualified and operational,” Thomas Gottschild added.
In 2021, Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and MBDA Deutschland originally secured a contract to develop the laser weapon demonstrator for the German Navy.
