MBDA Italia and Leonardo have signed a memorandum of understanding for the co-development of a laser-based counter-drone system for the Italian Navy.
The weapon will be developed in two power classes — light and high — to intercept and neutralize nano- and micro-drones.
MBDA Italia will be the design authority for the light laser weapon, which will be deployed on existing naval platforms.
Meanwhile, the design authority for the high-powered weapon will be Leonardo, with intended deployment on new naval vessels.
“MBDA will also develop the capability to generate high-power laser beams and Leonardo will create laser beam direction and target pointing systems,” MBDA stated.
Future Land Role
Though the initial focus of the solution will be on maritime usage, eventual evolution for land use is possible.
The agreement will help define the solution on technical and commercial grounds to satisfy the customer’s operational requirements.
It will also pave the way for the product’s joint promotion.
Additionally, the national supply chains of both companies will contribute to the project.
The initiative will complement MBDA’s existing laser projects, such as the Laser Weapon Demonstrator in Germany, DragonFire in the UK, and the HELMA-P solution being developed by the French firm CILAS, which has been acquired by MBDA.