Rheinmetall and MBDA to Combine Expertise in New German Naval Laser Defence Company

Rheinmetall and MBDA to Combine Expertise in New German Naval Laser Defence Company

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany intend to establish a joint venture in early 2026 to develop and supply naval laser weapon systems. Building on a successful collaboration that has already delivered and tested a laser demonstrator at sea, the new company will focus on providing precision laser-based defence solutions for naval platforms, particularly for countering drones and agile threats. Following extensive maritime trials, the system continues to undergo further testing on land. The initiative underscores both companies’ commitment to strengthening Germany’s defence capabilities, technological sovereignty, and industrial base.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF / SCHROBENHAUSEN, 6-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland plan to establish a joint venture dedicated to naval laser weapon systems in the first quarter of 2026. Building on their cooperation that began in 2019, the new entity will focus on the development and supply of high-performance laser-based defence solutions, initially tailored for naval applications.

The initiative follows the successful development and operational testing of a naval laser demonstrator jointly created by the two companies. The system has already been integrated aboard a naval vessel and underwent a year of testing under real operational conditions. During this period, it demonstrated the capability to precisely track and engage highly agile threats, including drones, at short and very short ranges, complementing conventional naval guns and guided missile systems.

Designed to deliver pinpoint accuracy with minimal collateral damage, the laser weapon system has proven effective even under demanding environmental conditions. Tests confirmed its ability to track extremely small targets at long distances and to concentrate laser energy precisely on the intended target, ensuring high levels of safety by avoiding overshoot. More than 100 firing and tracking trials were conducted during the sea-based test phase, including scenarios without relying on terrain features to capture the laser beam.

Following the completion of maritime trials, the demonstrator was transferred to the Laser Competence Centre of the WTD 91 in Meppen. There, the system has resumed operation and is being used for further land-based testing, particularly for drone defence applications.

Roman Köhne, Head of Rheinmetall’s Weapons and Munitions division, said the planned joint venture highlights the strength of focused industrial and technological cooperation in Germany. He emphasized that from the outset, both partners concentrated on their respective core competencies, enabling the rapid development of a cutting-edge solution for the Bundeswehr. He also noted that nationalizing key technologies, safeguarding supply chains, and creating long-term employment in Germany remain central objectives.

Thomas Gottschild, Chief Executive Officer of MBDA Germany, said the formation of the joint venture will set new benchmarks for the development and production of advanced military laser weapon systems designed and manufactured in Germany. He added that combining Rheinmetall’s and MBDA’s complementary capabilities will allow the German Navy to access a technologically mature, operational, and future-ready laser defence system, strengthening its ability to counter emerging threats such as drones.

The planned joint venture reflects a shared commitment by Rheinmetall and MBDA to bring proven laser weapon technology to market efficiently and to enhance Germany’s national sovereignty and defence readiness.

Media Contacts:

Press contact MBDA in Germany:

Günter Abel
Mobile: +49 (0) 160 369 3037
Guenter.Abel@mbda-systems.de

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG