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06 Jan 2026
New private company will build on existing research collaboration to provide high-performance weapons.
The German division of missile firm MBDA Systems and arms maker Rheinmetall have agreed to establish a new joint-venture company specializing in laser weapons.
Initially focused on ship-based systems for the German Navy, the arrangement will solidify an existing collaboration that has seen the two companies develop a demonstrator system tested under operational conditions over the course of one year.
The system is said to be particularly effective for counter striking drones and other highly agile targets at short and very short ranges, and able to engage targets precisely and quickly, with minimal collateral damage.
“Even when faced with the most challenging targets and adverse environmental conditions, the system has proven its ability to track a target the size of a €1 coin at a great distance with stability, and concentrate the energy of the laser weapon precisely on that target,” the two firms have claimed.
“This level of precision prevents the weapon from overshooting the target, ensuring maximum safety.”
Drone defense
Initiated in 2019, the MBDA-Rheinmetall collaboration produced a laser weapon that was fired in a series of tests on board the German frigate “Sachsen”, starting in summer 2022.
After six campaigns lasting nearly a year overall, and more than 100 test firings, the partners reported that the combat effectiveness of the laser weapon demonstrator had been proved in increasingly complex scenarios, under realistic operating conditions and against different types of targets.
The current plan is to ensure that the German Navy has a fully operational laser weapon by 2029, with Roman Köhne, head of Rheinmetall’s weapons and munitions division, commenting:
“This step demonstrates the potential of determined industrial and technological cooperation in Germany in order to produce cutting-edge technology.
“From the very beginning, both partners have been focussing on their strengths. Hence, this has enabled us to offer a unique product in a short period of time to the Bundeswehr (Germany’s armed forces).
“And from the beginning, nationalizing the technology was the main object. One of the goals is to maintain, create and expand jobs in Germany in the long term, as well as ensuring national sovereignty and security of supply in times of crisis.”
MBDA Germany’s CEO Thomas Gottschild added that the joint-venture “GmbH” (a private limited company under German law) would set new standards in the development and production of state-of-the-art military laser weapon systems.
“This accentuates the benefits of many years of collaboration and highlights the dedication of both companies to bringing the tried-and-tested maritime product to the market swiftly, and providing the Bundeswehr with additional drone defense capabilities,” he added.
“By combining our complementary, innovative core competencies, we can offer the German Navy a laser weapon system that is technologically advanced, qualified and operational.”
Israel’s Iron Beam now operational
Plans for the German venture were revealed just a week after the Israeli arms company Rafael confirmed delivery of the world’s first operational high-power laser weapon to the country’s armed forces (IDF).
As the first element of the “Iron Beam” system, it is set to be deployed against aerial threats in the form of drones and other small munitions.
“The system features an advanced laser source and a unique electro-optical targeting system, enabling the interception of a wide range of targets at an enhanced operational range, with maximum precision and superior efficiency - all at a negligible marginal cost, which constitutes the laser system’s primary advantage,” Rafael pointed out.
In a ceremony held at Rafael’s headquarters the Israeli defense minister Israel Katz hailed the deployment as a historic milestone that would fundamentally alter the “threat calculus” in the region.
“For the first time globally, a high-power laser interception system has achieved full operational maturity, successfully executing multiple interceptions throughout an extensive trial series replicating diverse operational scenarios,” Katz said.
“This monumental achievement changes the rules of engagement and delivers a critical message to our enemies - near and far alike - do not challenge us, or face severe consequences.
“Our defensive strength is matched by our offensive capability. This message reverberates from Tehran to Sana’a to Beirut. We remain committed to preserving Israel’s security and technological edge, ensuring we stand resolute against future challenges.”
Rafael’s chairman Yuval Steinitz added: “Today, December 28, 2025, marks the beginning of the era of high-energy laser defense. Israel has become the first country in the world to field an operational laser system for the interception of aerial threats, including rockets and missiles.
“This milestone was made possible by Rafael’s unique adaptive optics technology, representing a global scientific breakthrough.”
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