Todesstern "Sachsen" fires for the first time

On board the frigate "Sachsen", the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), together with specialists from the Wehrtechnische Dienststellen 71 and 91 and the German Navy, is currently testing the use of a high-energy laser weapon against enemy drones and attacking missiles. For the first time in this context, a live shot was fired at sea off the Putlos training ground, and the test results show: the laser weapon has the potential to significantly enhance the capabilities of the Bundeswehr.

After nearly ten years of intensive research on laser effectors, the results of these efforts have been bundled in a demonstrator that integrates all functionalities in a 20-foot container – from reconnaissance to data processing to combat with a high-energy laser. In late June 2022, the laser weapon demonstrator was installed on the frigate "Sachsen" to test it under realistic operational conditions in a maritime environment. For this purpose, BAAINBw developed a comprehensive testing program with challenging test scenarios on land, at sea, and in the air, in which the laser weapon demonstrator is expected to prove its suitability during a nearly one-year trial.

As part of a test campaign in October 2022, it has now been demonstrated that dynamic targets can be successfully engaged under simulated operational conditions.

"Due to its capabilities, a future system is particularly suitable for combating small and agile targets, such as drones or speedboats, in close proximity. However, it is also conceivable to defend against mortar rounds and guided missiles," said the responsible project manager at BAAINBw. "These tests lay the foundation for the possible development of an operational laser weapon system for the German Navy."

With Rheinmetall and MBDA to a functional laser weapon

Responsible for the development of the laser weapon demonstrator is the consortium (ARGE) High Energy Laser Marine Demonstrator, consisting of MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition GmbH.

A future high-energy laser (HEL) weapon system for the Navy is particularly suitable for defense against drones, drone swarms, or attacking speedboats in close proximity. It can also be equipped with more power to destroy guided missiles or mortar rounds.

In November 2021, the joint integration and testing phase of the Marine demonstrator began, which the ARGE integration team successfully completed with a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at the test site in Unterlüß. This was followed by the integration of the demonstrator on the frigate Sachsen in Kiel. In July 2022, the first test campaign took place in the Eckernförde Bay off the base of the Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 71 (WTD 71) in Surendorf. During the experiments, the performance of various sensors, including the electro-optical (EO) sensors of the ARGE and radar, was verified. In addition, the interaction of all components and processes of the entire combat chain from target acquisition to combat was tested. The trials included a variety of realistic combat scenarios. The test planning and provision of various target types on land, at sea, or from the air were carried out and organized by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). The testing was led by WTD 71.

Daniel Gruber, project manager Marine demonstrator at MBDA Deutschland, and Dr. Markus Jung, Head of Development Beam Weapons at Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition GmbH, accompany the testing campaigns with the frigate. Looking back on the integration and test phase, they drew a positive conclusion. The historic live shot from a Navy warship was a special moment for all involved. The team was able to demonstrate the full performance capability of the demonstrator. "The good cooperation of the two ARGE partners has significantly contributed to our ability to integrate a fully functional and powerful demonstrator on the frigate," said Gruber. "The close cooperation with the crew of the frigate Sachsen allowed us to have direct communication with the future users. Many suggestions from the Navy have already been incorporated or will be implemented in later development."

Dr. Thomas Baumgärtel, project manager Marine demonstrator at Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition GmbH, is also satisfied: "The main components of the demonstrator represent absolute high technology. Although this is based on years of research within the participating companies, many parts of the demonstrator were specifically developed for the project and combined for the first time in this form. Even considering the extremely short integration phase for such a complex system, we are extremely proud of the results so far and the successful testing process. The impressively proven suitability of HEL effectors for close-range protection of naval units is a result of the joint efforts of all project participants from industry, public client agencies, and, of course, the sailors of the frigate Sachsen."

Both Doris Laarmann, Head of Laser Activities at MBDA Deutschland, and Alexander Graf, Head of Program Management Directed Energy Weapons at Rheinmetall Weapon and Ammunition GmbH, emphasized that the current testing is establishing the fundamental prerequisites for the introduction of new laser weapon systems and capabilities into the Bundeswehr. These capabilities are not only relevant for the Navy. The industry is preparing laser systems that will contribute to the protection of soldiers in various applications.

The trials of the high-energy laser weapon will continue until mid-2023. In the upcoming test campaigns, the demonstrator will be challenged in further scenarios. The aim is to identify the additional actions needed to progress towards a fully operational laser weapon.

The division of work shares in the ARGE am Effektor is roughly equal. MBDA Deutschland is responsible for target acquisition and tracking, the operator console, and integrating the laser weapon demonstrator with the command system. Rheinmetall's responsibilities include the aiming system, beam guidance, the demonstrator container, the mechanical and electrical integration of the demonstrator on the deck of the frigate Sachsen, and ultimately the high-energy laser source and its peripherals.

GERMAN NAVY online