Image source: topwar.ru
Germany has begun testing laser weapons being developed in the interests of the German Navy. A laser weapon demonstrator is installed on board the German frigate Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt) type F125. This is reported by MBDA Deutschland.
The German Navy conducted tests of a combat laser in the Baltic Sea, details are not given, but it is emphasized that the tests were recognized as successful. Last year, the Bundeswehr Procurement Office issued a permit to test a laser weapon demonstrator on board a warship. It was assumed that the product with a capacity of about 20 kW would be installed on an F124 type frigate, but apparently the Sachsen-Anhalt type F125 frigate was chosen as the platform.
Practical tests of the combat laser should take place in the waters of the North and Baltic Seas. It is expected that the demonstrator will form the basis of the laser weapons being developed to destroy drones, and the tests should show whether it makes sense to use this technology in the German navy.
Plans to arm surface ships of the German Navy with laser weapons were reported back in 2019. In the same year, the German companies Rheinmetall and MBDA Deutschland signed an agreement under which they announced the development and creation of laser combat systems.
The Sachsen-Anhalt (Saxony-Anhalt) type F125 frigate is the third ship of a new project for the German Navy. Joined the German Fleet on May 17, 2021. The length of the frigate is almost 150 m, width — 19 m, draft — 5 m, total displacement reaches 7200 tons, maximum speed – 26 knots, crew – 190 people + there is a place to accommodate a landing force of 60 people.
Armament - 127 mm Otobreda artillery piece, two 27 mm MLG 27 anti-aircraft guns, eight Harpoon anti-aircraft missile launchers, two vertical RIM-116 anti-aircraft missile launchers (42 missiles), two 324 mm torpedo tubes, two NH90 helicopters, four RIB type inflatable boats.
