The German Navy is getting closer to having an operational laser weapon following a year-long testing on board a warship.

Rheinmetall and MBDA are working with the German Navy to produce a laser weapon that can deal with drone threats and advanced missiles.

The German Navy, Rheinmetall, and MBDA deployed the directed energy weapon system on the Sachsen frigate and conducted over 100 live firing trials, as well as significantly more tracking trials. According to Rheinmetall, the laser weapon displayed a high reaction speed and accuracy, especially against unmanned aerial systems.

“Successful tests conducted on the frigate SACHSEN proved the demonstrator’s tracking capability, effectiveness and precision under real operational conditions for the first time in Europe,” Rheinmetall said in a company press release.

According to the German defense giant, the directed energy weapon can engage a wide range of targets, including unmanned aerial systems, guided missiles, rockets, artillery shells, speedboats, mortars, and........

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