Counter-UAS by laser: Inleap Photonics launches with Inleap Fastlight Shield

Laser-based counter-UAS is the field in which Inleap Photonics is positioning itself as a new German defence technology company. With Inleap Fastlight Shield, a “market-ready, eye-safe and cost-efficient solution designed to protect people, critical infrastructure and security-relevant facilities from unmanned aerial vehicles” is coming onto the market, the company emphasises in its latest press release.

It is based on Inleap Fastlight, an industrial high-precision solution that is said to steer laser beams up to 2,500 times faster than conventional systems. The technology was initially intended for applications such as battery cell production or additive manufacturing. From this, the company has developed an integrated system for countering drones.

According to the press release, an extremely small, high-energy spot of light hits specifically identified weak points, neutralising the drone within fractions of a second. Artificial intelligence is used to analyse the aim points. The mobile system needs no ammunition; it is said to be particularly suited to protecting sensitive infrastructure and urban areas.

A funding round is now set to accelerate market entry in the security and defence sector as well as scaling. It was led by High-Tech Gründerfonds, with participation from Ventis Capital and a number of private investors.

Eye-safe counter-UAS for urban areas

Chief Executive Officer Marius Lammers explains the need with reference to the overall conditions:

The security-policy and technical conditions are challenging: drones are available at comparatively low cost and are powerful flying objects that can be used for espionage and as weapons, or can cause damage to infrastructure such as power grids or disruption to air traffic. Effective counter-drone defence is therefore essential for protecting people and critical infrastructure. Our technology solves key operational challenges: operation is eye-safe, the system can be deployed on the move thanks to its compact dimensions, and it is also cost-effective – perfectly suited for use in urban and hard-to-reach areas.— Marius Lammers, Chief Executive Officer of Inleap Photonics

From a technical perspective, Chief Technology Officer Felix Wellmann adds:

The completed funding round marks an important milestone for us. Our strength lies in extremely fast and precise laser beam steering, even when the environment is demanding and adverse. These properties are crucial for neutralising drones in a controlled, efficient way and without risk to the surroundings. The investment allows us to implement industrial scaling and integration into operational deployment scenarios.— Felix Wellmann, Chief Technology Officer of Inleap Photonics

The lead investor's view

We at High-Tech Gründerfonds see Inleap Photonics as a company with clear technological differentiation. Inleap Photonics combines industrial laser expertise with a highly topical field of application. With its solution, the team is addressing a fast-growing market and pursuing a technologically sound and scalable approach.— Koen Geurts, Senior Investment Manager at High-Tech Gründerfonds

Next, Inleap Photonics is preparing for the coming growth phase. Plans include both international scaling and further expansion of the team.