Rheinmetall and MBDA secure German navy contract to develop laser Weapon system

Yesterday 13:45

By: Sahili Aya

Rheinmetall and MBDA secure German navy contract to develop laser Weapon system

German defense company Rheinmetall and European missile manufacturer MBDA have signed a major contract to develop a laser weapon system for the German Navy, marking another step in Germany’s investment in next-generation defense technologies.

The agreement, announced on Thursday, was awarded by Germany’s military procurement agency and is valued in the mid-hundreds of millions of euros.

Advanced Naval Defense System Planned By 2029

According to Rheinmetall, the new directed-energy weapon is expected to become operational by 2029.

The laser system is designed to strengthen the German Navy’s defensive capabilities by providing a modern solution against a range of aerial and maritime threats. While technical specifications have not yet been disclosed, laser weapons are increasingly viewed as an important component of future naval defense due to their precision, rapid response capability and comparatively low operating costs per engagement.

Production To Take Place Primarily In Germany

Rheinmetall said that most of the system's serial production will be carried out in Germany, supporting the country's domestic defense industry and technological base.

The project also reflects Berlin's broader strategy of increasing investment in national defense manufacturing while expanding Europe's industrial capacity in advanced military technologies.

Growing Focus On Directed-Energy Weapons

The contract comes as NATO members and other major military powers accelerate the development of directed-energy weapons capable of countering drones, missiles and other emerging threats.

Laser-based defense systems are increasingly attracting attention because they offer the potential for highly accurate engagement with minimal collateral damage and reduced logistical requirements compared with conventional ammunition.

The Rheinmetall-MBDA partnership places Germany among the countries actively investing in operational laser weapon capabilities as part of the modernization of its armed forces.