Laser‑based drone defence Laserdome: Inleap Photonics and the Bundeswehr Launch Joint Trials

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Inleap Photonics and the Bundeswehr’s Cyber Innovation Hub are conducting a joint trial series to test laser‑based drone defence. The trials will demonstrate the capabilities of Inleap Fastlight Shield, an industrial laser beam‑steering solution for counter‑drone applications, under realistic operational conditions.

The six‑month evaluation will take place on Bundeswehr training ranges and involve service personnel. Alongside functional tests, the programme includes targeted system adjustments. The aim is to demonstrate the ability to counter drone swarms effectively and to establish the prerequisites for future Bundeswehr use to protect mobile assets in operational environments.

Setting new standards in laser‑based drone defence

Drones pose a growing challenge for armed forces and security‑critical sectors. Existing solutions are often costly, difficult to scale or unsuitable for sensitive environments. Inleap Fastlight SHIELD is based on ultra‑fast, high‑precision laser beam‑steering technology developed for industrial use and enables controlled drone interception with high operational safety at comparatively low cost.

“For us, this trial series is an important step to prove our technology in a security‑relevant context,” says Dr Marius Lammers, co‑founder and CEO of Inleap Photonics. “We developed our technology on the basis of more than ten years of industrial laser‑systems expertise. Now we are showing that it also performs precisely, reliably and responsibly in security applications — particularly where service personnel, civilians and critical infrastructure must be protected.”

Robert Hoffmann, project lead at the Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, adds: “The ‘Laserdome’ innovation project is about the use of mobile lasers to protect high‑value assets. We are specifically seeking innovative solutions that address real operational challenges. Working with Inleap Photonics enables us to trial a promising technology in the field and to thoroughly assess its potential for the forces.”

The trial series will commence in April 2026. As part of the project phase a system demonstration is planned, during which Bundeswehr representatives will be able to review the results on site.

Interview with Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers

How the Start-up Inleap Photonics is Revolutionising Laser Technology

About Inleap Photonics

Inleap Photonics is a German high‑tech company that develops and manufactures ultra‑fast, high‑precision laser beam‑steering systems. The company industrialises powerful laser technology for two main application areas: enhancing efficiency and productivity in industrial manufacturing, and the safe protection of people and critical infrastructure from drones.

From the industrially proven Inleap Fastlight technology, Inleap Fastlight Shield has been developed as a laser‑based solution for controlled, eye‑safe drone interception. It enables deployment in sensitive and urban environments — reliably, precisely and without collateral damage.

Inleap Photonics was founded as a spin‑off from the Laser Zentrum Hannover e. V. and combines deep expertise in optics and laser system engineering with industrial robustness. The company targets industrial users, public customers and security organisations across Europe. Further information: www.inleap-photonics.com.

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About the Cyber Innovation Hub

The Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub (CIHBw) is the Bundeswehr’s start‑up and change‑agent. As the first digital innovation unit within a German federal ministry, it is tasked with identifying and implementing unconventional solutions for the forces — quickly, effectively and in a user‑centred way.

It works closely with the start‑up ecosystem, industry and innovators within the armed forces. The CIHBw deliberately challenges existing processes, creates constructive friction and accelerates the Bundeswehr’s transition to a modern innovation and implementation culture. The CIHBw focuses on delivering concrete operational results rather than abstract concepts.

As an innovation unit, the CIHBw mainly develops AI‑supported solutions for reconnaissance and command under the military paradigm of Software‑Defined Defence, with significant activity in UAS and C‑UAS, situational awareness, electronic warfare, cyberspace and logistics. Further information: www.cihbw.de.