Counter-UAS by laser: Skylanx presents modular platform against drone swarms

Small, cheap drones are fundamentally changing the battlefield. Drones with a first-person view (FPV) are considered particularly hard to intercept – for conventional air defence systems often too expensive or too awkward a target. Munich-based defence tech company Skylanx therefore presented a modular platform for laser-based counter-unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS) against such very small targets at "Medic Quadriga 2026".

According to the press release, the platform is

designed for a range of applications from military to civilian – from protecting military units, convoys and temporary operating bases to airports, industrial facilities and critical infrastructure— Skylanx press release

At the large-scale exercise "Medic Quadriga 2026", the Bundeswehr (German armed forces), together with partners from NATO, industry and academia, showcased innovative technologies for national and collective defence scenarios on the ILA Berlin-Brandenburg site. The exhibitors were high-calibre above all in drones and counter-drone systems: established defence companies such as KNDS, Diehl Defence, Hensoldt and Rheinmetall were present, as were young technology providers including Avilus, Jedsy, ARX Robotics and K9.

Counter-UAS in an open architecture

Skylanx was founded by Thomas Mühlberger (Co-CEO, CFO) and Antony Zhou (Co-CEO, CTO). The company develops scalable counter-UAS systems in which sensors, command and control (C2) software and laser effectors interact in an open architecture. The platform is intended to suit the protection of individual facilities as well as mobile military applications.

The threat from small drones is evolving much faster than conventional defence systems can be adapted. Europe needs its own technological solutions in this area— Thomas Mühlberger, Co-CEO of Skylanx

Our approach is a modular, mobile and affordable solution that can be integrated into existing systems.— Thomas Mühlberger, Co-CEO of Skylanx

Lasers of 3 to 8 kilowatts instead of large high-energy systems

Large high-energy laser systems are not Skylanx's path; the company relies on more compact solutions with an output of 3 to 8 kilowatts. According to the company, the systems are mobile, have integrated battery systems and can also be mounted on light vehicle platforms. The aim is not strategic air defence but the effective engagement of small drones at short to medium range.

In a test, a 3-kilowatt Skylanx laser penetrated a 1.2-millimetre steel plate from a distance of 1,100 metres in around ten seconds. The company sees this as proof that compact laser systems are in principle suitable for engaging structurally sensitive targets such as small drones.

Detect, assess, engage

The solution's technology is organised in three layers: detection, software-based threat analysis and neutralisation by laser. Data from different sensors feeds into a common operational picture. The C2 software evaluates flight behaviour and priorities, assists with target tracking and continuously improves detection and response using artificial intelligence.

At the centre is the compact laser effector. Unlike kinetic systems, it needs no conventional ammunition, primarily just energy – an advantage above all when several targets have to be engaged in succession. Skylanx steers the laser beam with galvo-based beam control using high-speed mirrors. This enables particularly fast target switching, which matters most when several drones attack in quick succession.

In swarm attacks in particular, what matters is not only power but the ability to engage targets precisely one after another in a very short time— Antony Zhou, Co-CEO of Skylanx