Hensoldt and Fraunhofer IOSB in Ettlingen, Germany, have entered into a cooperation agreement with the aim of developing future-proof, robust and powerful lasers for laser-based countermeasures for self-protection systems and reconnaissance purposes.
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The cooperation between Hensoldt and the Fraunhofer Institute includes the transfer of laser technology to Oberkochen (Picture source: Hensoldt)

“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 between Hensoldt and the Fraunhofer Institute includes the transfer of laser technology to Oberkochen. The staff in Oberkochen 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 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,” said Dr Oliver Rudow, Programme Area Manager Self-Protection Land Vehicles.