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European defense Giant MBDA Calls for Laser Weapon Collaboration Amidst Rising Global Tensions
Table of Contents
- 1. European defense Giant MBDA Calls for Laser Weapon Collaboration Amidst Rising Global Tensions
- 2. Europe’s Independent Laser Initiatives
- 3. Laser Weapons: A strategic Imperative
- 4. MBDA: poised to Lead the European Laser Revolution
- 5. Europe Seeks Defense Independence
- 6. Laser Weapon technology: Current Status and Future Potential
- 7. What are the main challenges to the widespread adoption of laser weapon technology by European nations?
- 8. Interview: Dr. Eva Neumann on the Future of european Laser Weapons
By archyde.com News Team | March 22, 2025
PARIS—In a strategic address delivered earlier this week in Paris, Eric Béranger, the CEO of leading missile manufacturer MBDA, urged European nations to forge a collaborative path in the advancement of advanced laser weapon systems. This call to action comes as individual European powers are investing in directed energy weapons, highlighting a growing recognition of their potential in modern warfare.
Europe’s Independent Laser Initiatives
Currently, Britain, France, Germany, and Italy are independently pursuing military directed energy weapon capabilities. While each nation is making strides,Béranger expressed a vision for eventual unity,stating,I am convinced that at some point in time those nations will decide to cooperate. But today is not the case.
This potential collaboration aims to streamline development and maximize resources, reflecting a growing need for European defense autonomy.
Laser Weapons: A strategic Imperative
Military strategists increasingly acknowledge the crucial role laser systems can play in addressing modern battlefield challenges. Their primary submission lies in countering uncrewed air systems (C-UAS) and neutralizing drone swarms, which pose escalating threats to ground troops and critical infrastructure. The U.S. Army,for instance,has been actively experimenting with laser-equipped Stryker vehicles to defend against drone attacks,a capability that could soon become indispensable.
Beyond their effectiveness against drones, laser weapons offer a important economic advantage. As the conflict in Ukraine demonstrates, conventional munitions are rapidly depleted in modern conflicts. Laser systems, however, offer a cost-effective alternative, as firing them costs far less than the endless consumption of conventional munitions, the supply of which Ukraine’s armed forces are struggling to maintain against invading Russian forces in a costly war of attrition.
MBDA: poised to Lead the European Laser Revolution
MBDA is strategically positioning itself to be at the forefront of this technological shift. MBDA is trying to be the channel [among] each of these nations so that when they decide to cooperate,we stand a chance to make it easier and made in a more clever way,
Béranger stated,highlighting the company’s ambition to facilitate collaboration. MBDA’s current involvement in various national projects underscores its comprehensive approach:
- United Kingdom: Partnering with QinetiQ and Leonardo on the DragonFire laser weapon system.
- Germany: Developing a laser demonstrator in conjunction with Rheinmetall. In June 2022 until September 2023, a laser weapon demonstrator from Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany was integrated on the German Navy’s F124 frigate sachsen. During this onboard trial, the demonstrator performed impressively in more than 100 test shots, Rheinmetall stated in a press release.
- France: Acquiring a stake in CILAS, the manufacturer of the HELMA-P counter-drone laser system.
- Italy: Delivering the Fire Unit Directed Energy Weapon.
These diverse involvements uniquely position MBDA to guide industrial cooperation for any future collective initiatives.
Europe Seeks Defense Independence
MBDA emphasizes its ability to deliver sovereign defense systems at a crucial time. With questions surrounding the reliability of U.S. security guarantees, Europe is increasingly focused on establishing its own defense capabilities. Béranger emphasized that every time our customers want us to be desensitised [from the American supply chain], we can do that.
This push for independence reflects a broader trend of nations seeking to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers for critical military technologies.
Laser Weapon technology: Current Status and Future Potential
While current laser weapon systems operate in the 50-100 kilowatt range, experts predict significant advancements in the near future. A laser weapons expert at MBDA Germany stated in late 2023 that this could eventually surpass the level of megawatts, whereas now we are on kilowatts.
This increase in power will translate to greater effectiveness against a wider range of threats, including missiles and armored vehicles.For comparison, the U.S. Navy is developing laser systems capable of destroying anti-ship missiles, representing the cutting edge of this technology.
What are the main challenges to the widespread adoption of laser weapon technology by European nations?
Interview: Dr. Eva Neumann on the Future of european Laser Weapons
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Neumann. Thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us about the current state of laser weapon growth within Europe,notably considering the recent cooperation between Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany?
Dr. Eva Neumann: Thank you for having me. The European landscape is quite dynamic. We’re seeing significant advancements across multiple nations. The Rheinmetall-MBDA Germany collaboration is a prime example, showcasing notable on-board trials with the “Sachsen” frigate. This points to real-world readiness and feasibility.
Archyde News: The results from that trial aboard the Sachsen are impressive.Beyond Germany, what other nations are making strides in laser weapon technology?
Dr. Eva Neumann: Britain’s DragonFire system, and France’s investment in counter-drone laser systems, are other key developments to watch. we’re also progressing in Italy with directed energy weapons. The key is that each country is pursuing an independent path,which raises challenges,as recognized by MBDA’s CEO,mr. Béranger.
Archyde News: What specific advantages do laser weapons offer in the current global context, especially in the face of growing threats like drone swarms?
Dr. Eva Neumann: Laser weapons address several critical needs, from defense against drones and other uncrewed systems, to economic advantages in modern conflicts. The cost-effectiveness compared to conventional munitions is a significant factor, especially in long-term conflicts where we see significant consumption of conventional munitions.
Archyde News: MBDA seems to be positioning itself as a key player in coordinating these efforts. Is that correct?
Dr. eva Neumann: Yes, absolutely. MBDA is strategically involved in various national projects, making them the likely central player in this technological shift. Their experience with various types of lasers is an advantage. They are providing the connection necessary for broader European cooperation.
Archyde News: Independence is another priority,with European nations seeking to reduce reliance on others. How do laser weapons help that?
Dr. Eva Neumann: In many ways. These sovereign defense systems align with Europe’s ambition for reducing reliance on outside security guarantees. Developing sovereign laser capabilities is a crucial step towards this.
Archyde News: Where do you see laser weapon technology heading in the near future? What improvements and developments are on the horizon?
Dr. Eva Neumann: The move toward higher power levels is the most significant. We’re currently seeing systems in the 50-100 kilowatt range. Significant advances could soon surpass this, with the potential for megawatt-class systems. That will offer the ability to counter an array of targets.
Archyde News: Given the rapid developments and strategic importance, what is the biggest hurdle to overcome in the widespread adoption of laser weapons by European nations?
Dr. eva Neumann: The biggest hurdle is highly likely the integration and standardization of these systems across different national military structures. While collaboration seems logical, individual defense priorities and industrial interests can frequently enough complicate the process. However, I am convinced that sooner or later we will see a true collaborative effort. What do you think, Archyde readers – will Europe be able to successfully unify its laser weapon development, or will national interests always take precedence?
Archyde News: Thank you very much, Dr. Neumann, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s been very insightful.
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| Laser System | Power Level | potential Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Current MBDA Systems | 50-100 kW | Drones, small aircraft |