New naval laser system from Rheinmetall for drone defence

Before Market Readiness High-Energy Laser Shoots Drones and Grenades out of the Sky

2025-11-04 Source: dpa | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

The navy plans to introduce an innovative laser system capable of eliminating not only drones. It could soon become a reality. Rheinmetall is working on it...

Here, a drone defence system has detected and hit a target! What is still done today with conventional ammunition or missiles might soon be handled by high-performance lasers. Even fast-flying projectiles would no longer be safe, as Rheinmetall emphasizes...(Image: Ursldomasz) — Here, a drone defence system has detected and hit a target! What is still done today with conventional ammunition or missiles might soon be handled by high-performance lasers. Even fast-flying projectiles would no longer be safe, as Rheinmetall emphasizes...
(Image: Ursldomasz)

According to the defence company Rheinmetall involved in the project, the market readiness of a high-energy laser weapon system for the navy is approaching. An operational system could be available by 2029, according to the Düsseldorf (Germany)-based defence expert. Furthermore, the new laser weapon is set to provide a relatively cost-effective and powerful complement to conventional guided missiles. The laser system, jointly developed by the defence companies MBDA and Rheinmetall, is capable of combating not only drones but also speedboats and guided missiles.

For this laser, flying grenades are more victims than perpetrators

According to Rheinmetall, the laser-based defence system can also be equipped with more power in the future to counter hypersonic guided missiles, rockets, as well as mortar and artillery shells. A so-called demonstrator—essentially a prototype of the system—has already existed for several years, as reported. Back in 2022/23, the weapon, installed in a container, was tested aboard the frigate Sachsen. In August 2022, it was able to destroy incoming drones for the first time. The prototype has now been moved to the Laser Competence Center at the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen (Germany) for further testing. According to Rheinmetall, the laser container can also be used there for additional testing regarding land-based drone defence.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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