Rheinmetall: Charging my Lasers

Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany are pooling their expertise in the field of high-energy laser effectors in a joint venture. The companies aim to build, integrate, and test a laser demonstrator for the German Navy's corvette K130.

Lasers represent a new generation of defense systems that can engage targets at the speed of light, with high precision and minimal collateral damage. A demonstrator of this capability will now be tested for the first time on a German corvette under near-operational conditions. The details and the division of tasks between both companies will be determined once the performance specifications from the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology, and Use of the Bundeswehr are available.

Regarding the agreed collaboration, Peter Heilmeier, Head of Sales and Business Development at MBDA Deutschland GmbH, said: "The cooperation between Rheinmetall and MBDA benefits the German Armed Forces in particular. Both companies will leverage their respective strengths to lead the project to success in line with the German Navy."

Werner Krämer, CEO of Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, stated: "In close cooperation, we will work together to make laser technology available for the defense readiness of the Federal Armed Forces and for operational use. In an international comparison, our companies have outstanding competencies in this area. Laser technology offers new capabilities at sea, on land, and in the air. Together with the German Navy, we aim to advance this new technology." HERE is the spectacular video.

MBDA

develops and manufactures guided missiles and missile systems that meet the current and future requirements of all branches of the armed forces (Air Force, Army, and Navy). With locations in five European countries (France, UK, Italy, Germany, and Spain) and the USA, MBDA achieved a turnover of € 3.2 billion in 2018 and has an order backlog of € 17.4 billion. With more than 90 military customers worldwide, MBDA is a leading company in the field of guided missiles and missile systems. In total, MBDA offers 45 missile systems and products for countermeasures that are already in operational use, with 15 others in development. MBDA is a joint venture of Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%), and Leonardo (25%).

RHEINMETALL on the internet: www.rheinmetall.com

MBDA on the internet: www.mbda-systems.com