Counter-UAS by laser: Bundeswehr trials Fastlight Shield from Inleap Photonics

Drones, above all in the form of drone swarms, are among the greatest challenges facing modern armed forces. The Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) therefore wants to test a new laser-based solution for countering unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS) under real operational conditions, together with the German company Inleap Photonics. To this end, a test campaign planned to last six months will begin in April as part of the “Laserdome” innovation project.

The system being tested is the Inleap Fastlight Shield. It is based on a laser beam steering technology that comes from industry and is intended to engage drones precisely, efficiently and in an eye-safe manner. The trials take place on Bundeswehr training areas and are accompanied by soldiers. Not only function tests are planned, but also adjustments to the system, so that its performance can be assessed under realistic operational conditions.

The test series is to demonstrate that single drones as well as drone swarms can be effectively defeated. In the long term, the system could conceivably be used to protect mobile facilities and so-called high-value targets of the Bundeswehr.

Industrial laser beam steering for counter-UAS

According to Inleap Photonics, Fastlight Shield relies on ultra-fast laser beam steering that has so far been used primarily in industrial applications. The company promises a cost-efficient, scalable alternative to existing counter-drone solutions (counter-UAS), which it says are often expensive or only of limited use in sensitive environments.

For us, the test series is an important step in proving our technology in a security-relevant context— Dr. Marius Lammers, CEO and co-founder of Inleap Photonics

The technology emerged from more than ten years of experience in industrial laser system engineering, Lammers said. It is now to prove that it can also be used precisely, reliably and responsibly in a military environment.

The Cyber Innovation Hub also sees great potential in the project. Project manager Robert Hoffmann emphasises:

The ‘Laserdome’ innovation project is about using mobile lasers to protect high-value targets. We are specifically looking for innovative solutions that address real operational challenges.— Robert Hoffmann, project manager, Cyber Innovation Hub

The six-month trial phase will conclude with a system demonstration at which Bundeswehr representatives can see the results for themselves on site. If the system proves itself, this could pave the way for introducing the technology into the forces later on.