showcased a new laser-based system for countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the ILA Airshow in Berlin on 1 June.
The ‘laser effector’ is a 360-degree defensive solution that can be integrated on both land and sea platforms using standard interfaces. Although billed primarily as a counter-UAV (C-UAV) solution, it can also be used against rockets and mortar shells.
Using the MBDA Mistral effectors and Rheinmetall MPCS turret, the new weapon station provides a solution for networked or autonomous short range mobile air defense systems.
Speaking to IHS Jane’s at the event, Dr Markus Martinstetter, Future Systems at MBDA Deutschland, said that the system has been in development since about 2007, when new laser technologies began to produce the power levels needed for a weaponised system.
Photo: A mock-up of the MBDA Deutschland laser effector for the C-UAV mission seen at the ILA Airshow 2016. A working demonstrator is due to begin trials later this year. (IHS/Gareth Jennings)
Source: Jane’s 360