German defense firms Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland are preparing to establish a joint venture in early 2026 focused on developing laser weapon systems, initially targeting naval applications. Structured as a private limited company under German law, the venture will concentrate on shipborne high-energy laser systems designed to counter drones and short-range aerial threats for the German Navy. The program builds on years of cooperation between the two companies, including a jointly developed naval laser demonstrator that has already undergone extended sea trials. Rheinmetall contributes expertise in laser generation, beam control, and system integration, while MBDA focuses on target detection, tracking, and command-and-control integration. Successful trials aboard a Sachsen-class frigate in 2022 demonstrated the system’s ability to engage drones at close range. With the Bundeswehr taking ownership of the demonstrator in late 2025, further testing—including land-based drone defense—is expected to pave the way toward potential operational capability around 2029.
