
The German Navy is advancing its efforts in Higher Energy Laser (HEL) weapon technology, with plans to contract a pre-series production system in the coming year. This initiative builds on the successful testing of the MBDA and Rheinmetall Laser Weapon Demonstrator (LWD) aboard the F124-class frigate Sachsen in 2022 and 2023. According to naval officers involved in the trials, over 100 test runs provided valuable insights into the operational potential and systems integration challenges posed by HEL systems aboard naval combatants.
One key finding highlighted the need for advanced organic sensors to enhance laser performance in adverse weather conditions. The upgraded HEL system is expected to achieve power levels “multiple times” higher than the initial demonstrator, alongside improved target classification algorithms for more precise engagement of vulnerabilities on incoming threats.
To meet the operational requirements, Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany are establishing a joint venture to develop, produce, and market HEL systems. This initiative represents a significant step forward from current prototypes, with plans to install the improved system on one of the German Navy’s Berlin-class replenishment ships (EGVs) in 2028.
The long-term goal is to deploy HEL systems on the next-generation F127 air-defense frigates, currently in the planning stage. While it remains uncertain whether the F127s will feature laser weapons at their initial rollout, the development of a production-ready system marks a critical milestone in bringing this new technology closer to operational deployment.