Rheinmetall, MBDA plan naval laser JV

MBDA and Rheinmetall’s naval laser demonstrator | Photo: Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland plan to establish a joint venture for naval laser weapon activities in the first quarter of 2026, the companies announced on January 5. The move builds on cooperation between the two firms that began in 2019 and focused on the development of a naval laser demonstrator.

The planned joint venture will develop and supply laser weapon systems, initially for naval use. According to the companies, the German Navy is expected to receive an operational laser weapon system intended to complement existing guns and guided missiles, particularly for countering drones and other agile targets at short and very short ranges.

Rheinmetall and MBDA have previously developed a laser demonstrator that was integrated on a naval vessel and tested under operational conditions for one year. During trials, the system conducted more than 100 firing and tracking tests against various targets, including tests without using terrain to capture the laser beam. Following these trials, the demonstrator was transferred to the Laser Competence Centre of the Military Technical Service for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for further testing and land-based drone defence trials.

“This step demonstrates the potential of determined industrial and technological cooperation in Germany in order to produce cutting-edge technology,” said Roman Köhne, Head of Rheinmetall’s Weapons and Munitions division. “From the very beginning, both partners have been focussing on their strengths. Hence, this has enabled us to offer a unique product in a short period of time to the Bundeswehr. And from the beginning, nationalising the technology was the main object. One of the goals is to maintain, create and expand jobs in Germany in the long term, as well as ensuring national sovereignty and security of supply in times of crisis.”

MBDA Germany CEO Thomas Gottschild said, “With this GmbH (private limited company under German law), we are setting new standards in the development and production of state-of-the-art military laser weapon systems, designed and made in Germany. This accentuates the benefits of many years of collaboration and highlights the dedication of both companies to bringing the tried-and-tested maritime product to the market swiftly, and providing the Bundeswehr with additional drone defence capabilities. By combining our complementary, innovative core competencies, we can offer the German Navy a laser weapon system that is technologically advanced, qualified and operational.”

The companies said the joint venture aims to provide additional drone defence capabilities for the German armed forces.