Bundeswehr demonstrates AI-powered laser drone defense in Germany

The German Bundeswehr conducted a public demonstration of a new laser-based drone defense system at the Strausberg Airfield in Brandenburg. This event, part of the ‘Laserdome’ innovation project, marks the first time such a demonstration has occurred in a public space in Germany.

Developed in collaboration with the Lower Saxony-based startup INLEAP Photonics and the University of Hannover, the system utilizes artificial intelligence to identify and target vulnerabilities in unmanned aerial vehicles, such as rotor arms. During the test, cameras and radar monitored a drone flying approximately 500 meters away. Once the AI identified a target, a human operator provided the necessary authorization to activate the laser, which caused the drone to crash within seconds.

The technology is designed to counter the increasing threat of drone swarms, a tactic frequently observed in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While currently intended for protecting barracks, airfields, and critical infrastructure, the system is designed to be mobile and could potentially be deployed closer to active combat zones. The successful test also highlights the growing importance of the Berlin region as a hub for defense technology startups requiring specialized testing grounds.