Rheinmetall and MBDA to Develop Laser Weapon System for German Navy
Germany's Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment (BAAINBw) has contracted Rheinmetall and MBDA to develop a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy. The contract value is in the mid-hundreds of millions of euros.
Berlin – On July 9, 2026, the German Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a development contract with the ARGE HEL working group, comprised of MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. The contract is for the development of a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy. The two companies are establishing a joint venture for this project.
The laser weapon system is slated for operational deployment by 2029. The contract value is in the mid-hundreds of millions of euros and covers the development of a complete system for maritime applications, including the entire operational chain from reconnaissance and target tracking to engagement.
Emphasis in the development work will be placed on securing German supply chains and domestic systems expertise in this key technology to ensure national sovereignty. A prior at-sea demonstrator test project proved the system's effectiveness against various targets, even in adverse weather conditions.
The system is tailored to the Bundeswehr's requirements. Past tests have shown its capability to precisely track and engage moving targets, even small areas. This technology aims to provide the German Navy with significantly enhanced protection, particularly against drones.