MBDA and Leonardo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint creation of a Fire Unit Laser Direct Energy Weapon (DEW), complementing the solutions being developed by MBDA in laser weapons.
This new initiative from Italy complements the laser weapons capabilities being developed by MBDA. Several tests of the Laser Weapon Demonstrator, created by MBDA in partnership with Rheinmetall, have already taken place in Germany, relying on multi-stage, highly precise tracker and laser effector that bundles numerous laser sources into a single laser beam.
Another capability of laser directed energy weapon (LDEW) is being developed in the UK by MBDA under the name DragonFire, in partnership with Leonardo UK and QinetiQ, and has already achieved high-power firing of a laser weapon against aerial targets. In addition, MBDA has acquired a stake in CILAS, a French laser technology champion specialized as equipment supplier, developing the HELMA-P solution which passed first successful tests in summer 2024.
The weapon will use two power classes - depending on the threat - and will be able to intercept and neutralise Nano and micro-drones of different material composition. Initially, the intent for the Fire Units is for maritime use, with a possible future evolution for land use.
The agreement defines the development of a light fire unit for which MBDA will be the design authority in Italy. This unit will be dedicated to existing naval units able to support the use of laser armaments with lower energy absorption. Leonardo will be the design authority for a high-end fire unit equipping new naval units.
MBDA will also develop the capability to generate high-power laser beams and Leonardo will create laser beam direction and target pointing systems.
The two companies will use their best and most advanced capabilities and laboratories in Italy, sharing technological knowledge in this field in a complementary way.
Starting from the interest expressed by the Italian Navy, the MoU launches a collaboration that will lead to the joint definition of a technical and commercial solution capable of satisfying the customers’ operational requirements. It will also pave the way to a joint promotion of the products resulting from the co-operation. The national supply chains of both companies will also contribute to the project.
MBDA is a unique multi-national European group, a world-leader in the field of complex weapon systems, playing a key role in keeping nations safe. Created in the spirit of international co-operation, MBDA and its 15,000+ employees work together to support the national sovereignty of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, and their allies worldwide.
As an accelerator for innovation, MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and manufacturing complex weapons to meet the full range of current and future operational requirements of the three armed forces (land, sea and air).
Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems (37.5%) and Leonardo (25%) jointly own MBDA.
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S). With 53,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on the most important international programmes, within these sectors, such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone.
Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland, and the USA. Leonardo utilises its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and shareholdings, which include Leonardo DRS (72.3%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (29.6%).
Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2023 Leonardo recorded new orders for €17.9 billion, with an order book of €39.5 billion and consolidated revenues of €15.3 billion. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
