MBDA and Leonardo to jointly develop additional laser weapon capability

MBDA and Leonardo in Italy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the joint creation of a Fire Unit Laser Direct Energy Weapon.

The agreement follows tests in Germany of the MBDA and Rheinmetall Laser Weapon Demonstrator, and another laser directed energy weapon is being developed in the UK by MBDA under the name DragonFire, in partnership with Leonardo UK and QinetiQ, which has achieved high-power firing of a laser weapon against aerial targets. In addition, MBDA has acquired a stake in CILAS, a French laser technology equipment supplier, which is developing the HELMA-P system that passed its first successful tests in summer 2024.

The new weapon will use two power classes – depending on the threat – and will be designed to be able to intercept and neutralise Nano and micro-drones of different material composition. Initially, the intent for the Fire Units is for maritime use, with a possible future evolution for land use.

The agreement with Leonardo defines the development of a light fire unit for which MBDA will be the design authority in Italy. This unit will be dedicated to existing naval units able to support the use of laser armaments with lower energy absorption. Leonardo will be the design authority for a high-end fire unit equipping new naval units. MBDA will also develop the capability to generate high-power laser beams and Leonardo will create laser beam direction and target pointing systems.

“Starting from the interest expressed by the Italian Navy, the MoU launches a collaboration that will lead to the joint definition of a technical and commercial solution capable of satisfying the customers’ operational requirements,” MBDA said. “It will also pave the way to a joint promotion of the products resulting from the co-operation. The national supply chains of both companies will also contribute to the project.”