German Navy Boosts Drone Defense with High-Power Lasers
The German navy is set to bolster its drone defense capabilities with new, high-powered laser systems. Meanwhile, the Defense Minister faces criticism over delayed procurement of effective drone combat weaponry.
The navy plans to acquire prototypes from Rheinmetall and MBDA, with powers ranging from 50 to 60 kilowatts. This comes after successful tests of 30-kilowatt systems developed by the same companies. However, the exclusion of local manufacturer Hensoldt from these tenders has raised eyebrows in relevant discussions.
Recent drone sightings over Danish airports underscore the urgent need for effective countermeasures. Australia's Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has sold a 100-kilowatt laser drone combat system to a NATO country for 71.4 million euros. EOS' CEO, German defense manager Andreas Schwer, claims it can disable 20 drones per minute at significantly lower costs than conventional systems. The system is expected to be completed by 2028 and mounted on a truck for mobile deployment.
The German Ministry of Defense has a procurement list for 'active lasers' totaling 502.9 million euros, with plans to deliver only three systems. A procurement procedure for a high-precision laser weapon system for the navy is currently underway.
The acquisition of these powerful laser systems by the German navy signals a significant step towards enhancing its drone defense capabilities. However, the ongoing criticism of delayed procurement and the exclusion of local manufacturers from tenders highlight the need for careful consideration in future defense acquisitions.
