The Wehrtechnische Dienststelle (WTD) 91 in Meppen, Lower Saxony, is one of the largest weapons testing sites in Western Europe. On a 30-kilometer-long and up to seven-kilometer-wide area, experts have recently tested laser weapons designed to intercept drones, among other targets. NDR was present during a test.
During the demonstration, short, energy-charged light beams struck a drone several hundred meters away. Three aluminum plates attached to a tube were precisely perforated in flight. Unlike conventional weapons, the lasers produce neither noise nor visible muzzle flashes. Frank Dosquet, director of WTD 91, told NDR: “You could say we are world leaders in this field.”
The laser technology is intended to complement existing weapon systems. In addition to drone defense, it could also be used to detonate landmines. Problems with power supply and targeting accuracy, for example at sea, have been resolved. According to Dosquet, nothing stands in the way of introduction. The cost per unit is estimated at under ten million euros; series production could lower the price. The troops could be equipped with laser weapons as early as 2028.
Source: www.ndr.de
