Lasers for Self-Protection and ISR Applications

HENSOLDT and Fraunhofer IOSB have entered into a cooperation agreement with the aim of developing future-proof, robust and powerful lasers for countermeasures for self-protection systems and reconnaissance purposes.

“We made a very conscious decision to go with the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) in Ettlingen and their Laser Technology Department,” explained Countermeasures Product Manager Harald Knapp, “as their expertise in the laser field and their ambitious laser roadmap are the best fit for our product portfolio. The institute has an excellent reputation in our industry.”

The cooperation includes the transfer of laser technology to Oberkochen, where the staff have a unique reputation worldwide in the development of military lasers and will drive miniaturisation forward. At the Taufkirchen site, HENSOLDT is developing demonstrators in the area of self-protection for land vehicles, for several promising applications in which this laser technology could be used. The integration of the first laser demonstrator in IR countermeasures is planned for this year. Further projects will follow.

“With laser technology, we are advancing into a new wavelength range and higher power classes, which will enable us to develop various applications and novel products in the land, sea and air sectors. Our German customer is showing great interest in these product developments. A concrete selection decision has already been made for a first application, and we are in promising dialogue for two others,” stated Dr Oliver Rudow, Programme Area Manager Self-Protection Land Vehicles.