Rheinmetall and MBDA Are Developing a Laser Weapon to Counter Drones

Radiant drone breath Rheinmetall and MBDA Are Developing Lasers for the Navy to Counter Drones

2026-07-10 Source: Reuters | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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The German government has awarded a contract for laser-based drone defence to Rheinmetall-JV and MBDA, another company active in the defense sector.

Rheinmetall and MBDA have been authorized to develop a laser-based drone defence system intended to benefit the Navy (stock photo).(Source: Light Shows) — Rheinmetall and MBDA have been authorized to develop a laser-based drone defence system intended to benefit the Navy (stock photo).
(Source: Light Shows)

Rheinmetall joint venture is developing a laser weapon for drone defence for the Navy. The Düsseldorf-based defence contractor has received a contract from the federal government to develop, in collaboration with defense contractor MBDA, a high-energy laser weapon system that will later be deployed by the Navy. According to the report, the contract has been finalised since July 9, as Rheinmetall has already confirmed its signing. A joint venture with MBDA will therefore be established. The laser weapon system for drone defence is expected to be operational in 2029. The contract is valued in the mid-three-digit million-euro range, as has been further confirmed. Production of the system is also to take place primarily in Germany.

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