NATO Navy Lasers Aim To Replace Missiles

The new navy laser is being developed by the German company Rheinmetall and the European MBDA Missile Systems.

It would use concentrated light to disable hostile drones at a much lower cost than launching missiles at aerial targets. If the system can replicate the success of missiles, it could be a huge cost-cutting move for NATO ships. 

A German navy frigate equipped with a prototype of the new laser weapon was recently used in a weapon demonstration. According to Rheinmetall, that demonstration was an unmitigated success proving that the system is accurate and effective enough for combat situations.

Even with the successful demonstration, the final version of the system is expected to take another five to six years to develop.