Image source: topwar.ru
INLEAP Photonics, a German company specializing in laser technologies, has opened a new workshop at its Hanover plant for the production of FASTLIGHT HELD ("high-energy laser against drones") anti-drone protection systems.
This is a mobile UAV protection system mounted on a remote-controlled unmanned all-terrain vehicle (Ziesel from the German startup STARK), which detects, tracks and identifies the drone, and then quickly and accurately directs a laser beam at its most vulnerable points, neutralizing the threat within a few seconds.
Lithium-ion batteries installed on the platform have enough energy to destroy 250 drones and allow them to travel 40 km. To detect UAVs, a panel with radar equipment is located in the front of the chassis, and optical sensors are installed on 4 sides.
Image source: topwar.ru
The system does not "burn out" the entire drone, but, thanks to AI, hits the most vulnerable parts of the device (optics, antennas, blade joints). In this regard, the complex requires less than 10 kW of energy, unlike bulky army lasers with a capacity of 50-100 kW.
According to the company, the increase in mass production volumes will begin in November 2026. After this expansion of capacity, "annual output will be expressed in a three-digit range." The German Ministry of Defense, whose representatives were present at the opening of the new production facility, is showing interest in the FASTLIGHT HELD complex.
