Rheinmetall and MBDA Awarded Milestone Contract for German Navy Laser Weapon System

On July 9, 2026, Germany’s federal defense procurement agency (BAAINBw) signed off on a major contract with a joint venture between MBDA Deutschland and Rheinmetall Waffe Munition. Operating under the group name ARGE HEL, the defense companies are tasked with building an advanced high-energy laser weapon system for the German Navy, with a planned operational date of 2029.

Company executives pointed out that the technology is already highly mature and specifically designed to protect ships from agile threats and drone swarms. The project is prioritizing domestic German supply chains and is also keeping series production primarily based in Germany.