This article is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report part of Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN), and is complimentary through Nov 13, 2026. For information on becoming an AWIN Member to access more content like this, click here.
MBDA says it has received a contract from the German defense procurement agency for an airborne laser demonstration.
The goal is to advance technology for a potential laser weapon, the European missile joint venture said Nov. 2. Development is slated to take around three years with a demonstration planned in 2031.
MBDA said that under the contract from BAAINBw, the company is supposed to build an operationally representative laser pod. The demonstration will use a 10-kW-class laser.
The move comes as others, such as Elbit, are working on airborne weapons applications.
MBDA says the German contract builds on years of internal investment in laser technology. The company said it was leaning on a German supply chain for these activities to assure local sovereignty. MBDA is using a supplier-furnished laser.
The company noted that a laser weapon could in particular be used to counter cruise missiles and drones.
MBDA’s UK arm is working with the Royal Navy to deploy laser weapons on ships. MBDA’s German arm, more than a decade ago, demonstrated ground-based counter-drone technology.
Germany has not yet selected the demonstrator platform.
Related Content
