The Bundeswehr, Germany’s unified armed forces, has announced the successful conclusion of Laser Weapon Demonstrator (LWD) trials conducted onboard the German frigate Sachsen.
These tests began following the integration of the LWD in June 2022.
“During the trials, comprising six campaigns lasting nearly a year, the combat effectiveness of the LWD was proven in increasingly complex scenarios, under realistic operating conditions and against different target types,” the release explained.
This involved not only tracking and detecting targets, including highly agile ones, but also explored “the interplay of sensors, command and weapon engagement systems, and effectors; possible rules of engagement; and of course the successful engagement of targets with a high-energy laser beam.”
The LWD underwent over a hundred test firings onboard the Sachsen. It demonstrated its capability to engage with maritime targets effectively using a high-energy laser. The culmination of these trials included a demonstration in front of senior representatives from the Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), the German Navy and Army, and the Bundeswehr Office for Defence Planning.
Notably, during this demonstration, the LWD successfully shot down a drone. The event was also attended by representatives from the British, Netherlands, and Norwegian navies.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts that led to the success of these tests, the statement highlighted, “The huge success of the test campaign was due to excellent co-operation between the BAAINBw and its subordinate detachments, the German Navy and especially the crew of the frigate Sachsen, and ARGE, the industry working group.”
Highlighting its potential applications, the press release mentioned that an operational laser weapon system is ideal for “countering the threat from drones, drone swarms, speedboats and possibly missiles at close to very close range.” It also hinted at future enhancements which could make it capable of neutralizing supersonic missiles, rockets, and mortar and artillery rounds.
Remind me: does “highly agile” here mean fast & very manouvreable or too small, inadequately funded & not fit for purpose?
Sorry Tom!
When we are told a laser has destroyed a UAS, we aren’t really told enough to make a judgement. Recently Raytheon UK told us they were using Class 1 drones as targets, but that could have been anything from the tiniest 18g Black Hornet Nano to a 150kg loaded Schiebel Camcopter. I imagined a hovering 5kg quadcopter, but that was just a guess. This German test, we aren’t even told the class. We also don’t get to know the power of the laser, how long it took to destroy the drone or at what distance. So I ask, was its… Read more »