German defense companies Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland are planning to establish a joint venture in the first quarter of 2026 to develop laser weapon systems.
Structured as a private limited company under German law, the venture will initially concentrate on the development and production of naval laser weapons designed to counter drones and other short-range threats for the German Navy.
The laser system is intended to complement existing naval armaments, including cannons and guided missiles. It builds on a jointly developed naval laser demonstrator that has already completed a year of operational sea trials against a range of targets.
The two companies have collaborated on naval laser technology since 2019. MBDA Deutschland contributes expertise in target detection, tracking, and integration with command-and-control networks, while Rheinmetall is responsible for the laser source, beam control, aiming functions, and integration with shipboard systems.
By 2022, the partnership had advanced to live trials, during which a Sachsen-class frigate of the German Navy successfully engaged drones at close range in the Baltic Sea using a high-energy laser.
In 2024, the companies announced a renewed focus on developing a cost-effective naval laser solution intended to reduce reliance on expensive ship-launched air defense missiles.
The Bundeswehr assumed control of the demonstrator in late 2025, with additional testing— including land-based drone defense applications—planned to support a potential operational capability by around 2029.
