European Defense Players @EuropeDefense: "Rheinmetall and MBDA Join Forces..."

Smart Portfolio

Rheinmetall and MBDA Join Forces to Launch German Laser Weapons Venture 👉 $RHM.DE (Rheinmetall AG) and MBDA Deutschland are set to establish a joint venture focused on high-energy laser weapons. This collaboration formalizes their cooperation since 2019, which has already seen successful trials, including a shipborne demonstrator tested at sea. 👉 The new company, expected to be set up in Q1 2026 as a German limited liability company (GmbH), will initially target naval laser systems. This initiative builds on extensive German Navy trials, where a containerized laser demonstrator completed over 100 firing tests aboard the German Navy frigate Sachsen in late 2025. 👉 Following the sea trials, the demonstrator was transferred to the Bundeswehr’s Laser Competence Centre at WTD 91 in Meppen for further evaluation. Rheinmetall aims for a fully operational system by 2029, enhancing ship self-defense alongside traditional guns and missiles, particularly against drones and close-range threats. 👉 Under the venture, MBDA will handle target detection, tracking, and integration with command-and-control systems, while Rheinmetall will provide the laser source, aiming, and mechanical and electrical integration. This joint effort is designed to streamline the path from demonstrator to a producible system. 👉 This venture aligns with Europe's broader shift towards laser and directed-energy solutions for both naval and airborne domains. Similar advancements are seen in the UK, with the Royal Navy's DragonFire system and laser-based self-protection for the Royal Air Force, as well as Germany's upgrades to its Luftwaffe A400M transport fleet. 🔗 Read more: www.aerotime.aero/articles/rheinmetall-mbda-german-laser-weapons-joint-venture ✨ $RHM.DE is part eToro’s @EuropeDefense Smart Portfolio, a new portfolio that offers a diversified exposure to companies across the European defense and aerospace supply and value chain. From firms specialising in aircraft and naval systems to those developing surveillance technologies and tactical equipment, the portfolio is exposed to companies that benefit from increased regional defense investment and reduced reliance on external suppliers. The minimum investment amount for the @EuropeDefense Smart Portfolio is $500. Some of the companies invested in this portfolio are $HAG.DE (HENSOLDT AG) , $KOG.OL (Kongsberg Gruppen ASA) , $RR.L (Rolls-Royce) , $SAF.PA (SAFRAN) , $SNR.L (Senior PLC) and $IDR.MC (Indra Sistemas SA) . Past performance is not an indication of future results.