Military cooperation between Ukraine and Germany is intensifying around laser weapons. Prototypes of 1,500 watts are being tested, promising increased defense against drones. A technological alliance with double benefits?
The war in Ukraine continues. And while a ceasefire has been declared for the celebration of Orthodox Easter this Saturday and Sunday, it doesn’t stop both sides from working behind the scenes.
For Ukraine, behind the scenes means relations with Germany. On Friday, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense issued a statement about a telephone conversation between Mykhailo Fedorov and his German counterpart Boris Pistorius. During the call, the defense ministers prepared for the Ramstein meeting on April 15, where the implementation of the war plan to force Russia to peace will be discussed. Priority cooperation areas will be presented to partners, including strengthening air defense, developing unmanned systems, and exchanging data and technologies.
Ukraine and Germany are also working together on common projects regarding air defense, drone funding, and technological solutions, including laser weapons. “Furthermore, the parties discussed perspectives for cooperation in the field of innovative laser weapons,” the statement says.
Hundreds of shots:
According to the specialized website Militarnyi, Ukrainians are working on prototypes, such as the “SLIM BEAM laser system, with a power of 1,500 watts, effective for destroying drones between 20 and 800 meters.” Meanwhile, trials in Germany continue with a laser weapon “mounted on containerized platforms.” In October, the laser was removed from the German navy frigate Sachsen and transferred to the Laser Competence Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in Meppen for further tests. Several hundred shots have been fired, demonstrating high reaction speed and precision in the fight against drones, significantly increasing the effectiveness of neutralizing small targets.
The laser is a solution that interests Ukraine, facing difficulties in arms procurement. Germany could use Ukrainian territory to test its weapon in real conditions. Another exchange of best practices on the horizon?
