Germany’s New High-Energy Laser Weapon To Protect Naval Personnel At Sea From Drone Attacks

Germany is planning to integrate directed-energy weapons into its naval force. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract with the High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator Working Group (ARGE HEL) on July 9, 2026, for developing the advanced laser system.

The project will be carried out by the High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator Working Group (ARGE HEL), a partnership between Rheinmetall Waffe Munition and MBDA Deutschland.

The two companies will soon establish a joint venture to oversee the program, with the laser weapon system likely entering service by 2029.

“This is a striking demonstration of the level of technological maturity that can be achieved when the two leading system houses, Rheinmetall and MBDA, combine their complementary capabilities to create a complete system,” said Roman Koehne, head of Rheinmetall’s Weapon and Ammunition Division.

Koehne added that it would also provide greater protection to the country’s soldiers deployed on naval ships, especially against drones.

Once built, its mass production will be carried out in Germany, which will create new training and employment opportunities while strengthening its defence industries and ensuring technological sovereignty.

The development program builds upon the High-Energy Laser (HEL) demonstrator that completed year-long sea trials onboard a German Navy frigate, where it proved its effectiveness against aerial, maritime and land-based threats.

The trials validated its tracking, engagement and integration capabilities and also its technical sophistication.

This also gave the German stakeholders conference the go-ahead to move forward with the next phase of development.