BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The Bundestag's Budget Committee has raised concerns regarding the planned awarding of a contract for the development of a laser weapon. According to the portal "The Pioneer," a corresponding 25 million euro proposal from the Federal Ministry of Finance to award the contract to defense companies Rheinmetall and MBDA was halted by the budget watchdogs. Sources within the committee confirmed to the German Press Agency that lawmakers are seeking a more comprehensive market review.
The estimated costs of the project were also called into question. For example, the Netherlands reportedly acquired a 100-kilowatt demonstrator for 190 million euros. In contrast, Germany intends to develop a 60-kilowatt demonstrator at a projected cost of 462 million euros, according to explanations provided to dpa.
Green Party budget policymaker Sebastian Schäfer told "The Pioneer": "We have information suggesting that other companies might be able to deliver more performance for less money." He also voiced fundamental criticism: there are many defense projects that raise significant questions. "Industry is happily dividing up the spoils amongst themselves, and it is the taxpayers of the future who will have to pay for it."
Laser weapons are particularly well-suited for defending against drones. However, in reality, they are still a far cry from the versions seen in science fiction films like "Star Wars."
Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany are joining forces to advance their laser weapons business. The companies have been cooperating since 2019; together, they developed a demonstrator — that is, a laser weapon still in the testing phase. The product is expected to be market-ready and fully operational starting in 2029./cn/DP/jha
