BERLIN, October 28. . Rheinmetall and the German division of the European defense company MBDA have completed the testing phase of the new laser system and transferred it for further testing to the military engineering department for weapons and ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen. According to Rheinmetall's press release, it is expected to be ready for delivery to the German Navy from 2029.
“The German Navy could field a combat-capable laser weapon system from 2029, thereby providing an effective and cost-effective complement to conventional guided missiles,” it said.
The so-called “laser demonstrator” was tested for a year on the destroyer Sachsen (“Saxony”). According to Rheinmetall, the new system can be used to neutralize drones and other small targets, torpedo boats and guided missiles at close range. In the future, this system, if improved, can be used to destroy hypersonic missiles, mortars and artillery shells, the press release said.
Rheinmetall and MBDA have been collaborating on laser system development since 2019.
