On 9 July 2026, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract with the High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator Working Group (ARGE HEL) for the development of a high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy.
Rheinmetall press release
The ARGE HEL consists of MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. The two companies are currently forming a joint venture for this purpose. The laser weapon system is expected to be operational by 2029. The contract value is in the mid three-digit million-euro range and covers the development of a complete system for maritime applications, including the entire operational chain from reconnaissance and target tracking to engagement. The joint venture is placing particular emphasis on German supply chains and domestic systems expertise in its development work, in order to secure national sovereignty in this key technology.
Roman Koehne, Head of Rheinmetall’s Weapon and Ammunition Division, commented: “This is a striking demonstration of the level of technological maturity that can be achieved when the two leading system houses, Rheinmetall and MBDA, combine their complementary capabilities to create a complete system. The laser weapon system will provide significantly greater protection for our soldiers deployed on naval vessels, especially against drones. Series production will largely take place in Germany, creating new training and employment opportunities. We are delighted by the confidence shown in us through this contract”.
“The laser weapon system developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall is a flagship technological project with a very high level of technological sophistication. It meets the specific requirements of the Bundeswehr and will significantly strengthen the German Navy’s defence capabilities against airborne, maritime and land-based targets. The containerised laser effector will also be cost-efficient for port security and other applications”, emphasises Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Executive Vice President Strategy & Future Growth at MBDA.
The complete system is tailored to the requirements and needs of the Bundeswehr. In March 2026, the naval laser demonstrator repeatedly proved its capabilities to high-ranking German delegations at the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen. The demonstrator has already covered 28,000 nautical miles across the North Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean on board the frigate SACHSEN and has proven its effectiveness even in adverse weather conditions.
Over the course of more than a year of testing and operational use at WTD91, more than 1,000 shots were successfully fired at airborne, maritime and land-based targets.
The refined beam quality and tracking capability enable the laser power to be focused with extreme precision, even on moving targets. The system developed by MBDA and Rheinmetall can focus its power onto an area measuring just a few centimetres. Thanks to the very high energy density, targets can thus be engaged more quickly, more precisely and more effectively, whilst using less laser power.
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