Death Star "Saxony": Laser weapon armed

After the integration of the Laser Weapon Demonstrator (LWD) on the frigate 124 "SACHSEN" in June 2022, the sea trials of the LWD were successfully completed. Responsible for the development and construction of the LWD as well as the support of the test campaigns planned and organized by BAAINBw is the consortium (ARGE) High-Energy Laser Marine Demonstrator, consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH.
During the nearly year-long trials with a total of six campaigns, the Laser Weapon Demonstrator (LWD) demonstrated its performance in increasingly complex scenarios under realistic operational conditions against various targets. All aspects, from tracking - including highly agile targets - to the interaction of sensors, command and weapon systems, rules of engagement, and successful target engagement using high-energy laser radiation were tested.

The LWD impressed with more than 100 test shots on board the frigate "SACHSEN". It was demonstrated that a laser weapon is capable of successfully engaging a variety of targets in the maritime environment. At the conclusion of the trials, the capabilities of the LWD were successfully demonstrated within two VIP days to an audience of high-ranking representatives from BAAINBw, the German Navy, the German Army, and the Federal Ministry of Defense, including the successful shootdown of a drone. Representatives from the English, Dutch, and Norwegian navies also attended the demonstration. The success of the trial campaign is the result of the excellent cooperation between BAAINBw including its subordinate offices, the German Navy, and especially the crew of the frigate "SACHSEN" as well as the consortium.

With the conclusion of the nearly year-long trials, the contracting authority BAAINBw and the industry have gained important insights into the operational capabilities, performance, and development potential of high-energy laser effectors. The demonstrator will now be thoroughly examined and then transferred to the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 91 in Meppen for further testing. The results of the trials and examination will be used to minimize the risk for the possible next phase, the development of an operational laser weapon system.
The two companies participating in the consortium have already begun internally with the preparations for the development phase within their respective areas of responsibility.

An operational laser weapon system is complementary to guns and guided missiles particularly for defense against drones, drone swarms, or attacking fast boats, as well as potentially guided missiles in close proximity. In the future, it can also be more powerfully equipped for the destruction of supersonic missiles and rockets, as well as mortar and artillery shells.

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