Last week, high-ranking representatives from BMVg, BAAINBw and German Navy tested the possibilities and capabilities of ship-based laser weapons at sea. The corresponding demonstrator is located on frigate Sachsen. On August 30, this frigate was the first German Navy ship to successfully deploy a laser weapon. The target at the time was a drone. Since then, the laser demonstrator has been tested several times before it was able to convince representatives from the military leadership.
In principle, laser weapons are very well suited for drone defence since they can effectively combat small drones without the need to stockpile and use ammunition. Energy is usually available in sufficient quantities on ships. The difficulty is not generating a sufficient laser beam – the civilian industry has usable and proven systems ready – but to track and lock on the target.
Integration and test phase of the German naval demonstrator began as early as November 2021, which the ARGE – consisting of MBDA and Rheinmetall – concluded with a successful factory acceptance test (FAT) at the proving ground in Unterluess. This was followed by integration of the demonstrator on the frigate Sachsen in Kiel. Then, in July 2022, the first test campaign took place in the Eckernförder Bay off the base of Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 71 (WTD 71) in Surendorf. BAAINBw with WTD 71 are responsible for test planning and the provision of various target types.
In addition to Germany, other nations are also researching the use of laser weapons. The U.S. Navy, for example uses a corresponding system on a warship. The U.S. is also researching land-based laser weapons, but those need a trailer with a battery or power generator to provide the necessary energy. This is not the case with ship-based systems, which is why they are much further ahead in development and use.
Dorothee Frank, Head of editorial team