Rheinmetall has announced its collaboration with MBDA to develop an affordable maritime laser weapon to replace costly air defense missiles used by ships.
The partnership seeks to create “new possibilities” for enhancing naval drone defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.
According to Rheinmetall, both companies bring “complementary skills” in developing and integrating laser weapon technologies.
The two firms previously worked together on a laser demonstration onboard a German Navy frigate, successfully firing over 100 test shots at representative targets.
With the new collaboration, Rheinmetall and MBDA hope to introduce a maritime product to the defense market within the next five to six years.
A Low-Cost Solution
There have been increasing calls for more affordable solutions to neutralizing drone threats, with a Pentagon official acknowledging that the costs of firing counter-drone weapons and munitions are becoming “too high.”
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have mocked the US for using $2-million air defense missiles to intercept drones that cost only $2,000.
Even US Department of Defense undersecretary for acquisition William LaPlante admitted that current military efforts to eliminate enemy drones now exceed $100,000 per shot.
Laser weapons present a cost-effective alternative, with the UK saying its DragonFire can shoot down drones at $13 per shot.
Israel’s Rafael also claims its 100-kilowatt Iron Beam ground-based laser air defense system has “almost zero cost per interception.”
While promising, laser weapon development poses challenges, as it requires extensive research and design processes.