Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany are collaborating to establish a joint venture in the first quarter of 2026 to develop and produce naval laser weapon systems.
The companies will form a GmbH, a private limited company governed by German law, with an initial focus on naval applications, Rheinmetall said Monday.
What Capability Will the Rheinmetall–MBDA Joint Venture Deliver?
The joint venture will continue the development of a laser weapon demonstrator that the partners have been building and testing since 2019, with the aim of delivering an operational laser weapon system to the German Navy. The system will complement existing guns and guided missiles and will be deployed to counter drones and other highly agile targets at short and very short ranges.
How has the Naval Laser Demonstrator Performed So Far?
The naval laser demonstrator was installed on a naval vessel and underwent a one-year evaluation at sea, including over 100 firing and tracking tests conducted under operational conditions. The trials confirmed the system’s precise target tracking, rapid engagement capability and effective energy concentration, while maintaining minimal collateral damage—even under challenging environmental conditions.
Following these sea trials, the demonstrator was relocated to the Laser Competence Centre of the Military Technical Service for Weapons and Ammunition, or WTD 91, in Meppen, where it will undergo further testing and evaluation, including potential land-based applications.
Remarks From Rheinmetall & MBDA Executives
“From the very beginning, both partners have been focusing 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,” said Roman Köhne, head of weapons and munitions at Rheinmetall.
“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,” said Thomas Gottschild, CEO of MBDA Germany.