Counter-drone laser on a UGV: Inleap Photonics shows mobile Fastlight Shield in Erding

For the first time, German company Inleap Photonics is putting its Fastlight Shield technology on an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), making its laser-based counter-drone system mobile. It responds to the growing threat from small, agile drones on the modern battlefield.

Three components work together: the laser effector from Inleap Photonics, an off-road UGV platform from Hentschel System and the counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) software platform of defence company Stark. The system premiered at a technology show of the innovation centre of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) at Erding air base.

The system reportedly needs under one second to engage drones of NATO Classes I and II for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – without ammunition and without collateral damage. It is intended primarily for mobile operations, temporary protected zones and critical infrastructure.

With the new system approach, we are deploying our laser effector on an unmanned ground platform for the first time— Marius Lammers, CEO of Inleap Photonics

In this way, we bring together mobility, interoperability and effectiveness and enable armed forces to field precise, scalable and rapidly available counter-drone defence.— Marius Lammers

Bundeswehr seeks mobile counter-drone systems from 2027

According to the company, the Bundeswehr is very interested in such capabilities. The system was shown in Erding as part of a product review for mobile C-UAS systems that are to be available as early as 2027. Guests included Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, Chief of the German Army, and Commodore Christian Bock, who heads the Bundeswehr's drone innovation centre.