Germany fires shipboard laser weapon for the first time
On 30 August, the German F124 frigate Sachsen engaged drones at short and very short ranges with a laser weapon in a first for the German Armed Forces.
The weapon used in the test was developed by the country’s High-Energy Laser Naval Demonstrator working committee, AGRE, comprising MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition.
Integration and testing of the laser weapon demonstrator began in late 2021. The system was then later installed on board the Sachsen in Kiel.
The trial verified the capability of sensors, including an EO suite and radar. Operational testing included multiple highly realistic engagement scenarios.
Germany will continue to test the high-energy laser weapon into mid-2023. The results of this further testing will help determine the pathway to a fully-functional operational laser weapon.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
-
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.