Germany is reportedly set to commission Rheinmetall, a major arms manufacturer, to develop a marine-suitable laser system for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), intended for the defense against aerial threats. According to reports in “Welt am Sonntag” the German government intends to award a direct contract – bypassing a public tendering process – for the system’s development.
The project, slated to deliver three demonstrator units by the end of the decade, is reportedly estimated to cost approximately €390 million. Both the German government and Rheinmetall have declined to provide specific comments on the matter. The Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr in Koblenz stated that a procurement process is underway for a laser weapon system intended for naval use, preventing the release of detailed information at this time.
Concerns have emerged from within German politics regarding the decision-making process. Critics point to the existence of potentially superior laser systems already available on the market, including those offered by Australian firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS), which has subsidiaries across Europe. EOS systems, boasting 100-kilowatt power output and a range exceeding five kilometers, have reportedly been presented as alternatives. Notably, EOS has expressed willingness to increase power to 120 kilowatts – double that of Rheinmetall’s proposed system – and offer the equipment at half the price.
Sebastian Schäfer, a Green Party parliamentarian responsible for budgetary oversight, criticized the move, questioning whether the decision favored a domestic company, even as funds earmarked for alternative procurement avenues were channeled elsewhere. He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to open and competitive procurement processes, particularly given the substantial financial resources available for defense acquisitions. The situation is prompting calls for increased transparency and diligence in future procurement decisions concerning defense technologies.
