Breaking into Defense Sector
Trumpf Enters Defense Sector with Laser-Based Drone Defense Systems
German machinery manufacturer Trumpf, a recognised leader in laser technology, is venturing into the defense sector for the first time. The company is developing non-lethal laser weapons to defend against drones, marking a significant shift in its strategic paradigm.
Until now, Trumpf had been contractually bound not to engage in weapons production. However, the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles and geopolitical threats, such as the Russian war of aggression, have led to the lifting of this taboo.
Trumpf will develop defensive, non-lethal technologies designed to neutralize objects, such as disabling drones by blinding cameras or overheating engines. The company's laser technology leadership is being leveraged in the development of these defense systems.
Peter Leibinger, BDI President and co-owner of Trumpf, describes this shift as part of German industry's responsibility for a "resilient democracy." He believes that the decision to develop laser weapons for drone defense is indispensable for future security, as per security experts' opinions.
Initial prototypes have demonstrated the effectiveness of laser beams in disabling drones. Trumpf is now part of a growing international group of companies developing laser-based drone defense systems. Other companies, such as Advanced Protection Systems (APS) from Poland and Frankenburg Technologies from Estonia, focus on kinetic drone defense systems rather than laser-based solutions.
Rheinmetall, another German company, is advancing toward integrating high-energy lasers as part of its multifunctional drone defense toolbox, including jammers and future autonomous interceptor drones.
Defense contracts promise stability and higher margins for Trumpf, which has faced declining revenues. Laser weapons are considered a key future technology, offering lower operational costs compared to conventional defense systems. They are seen as a crucial component in shaping security-relevant technologies, a move that Trumpf's leadership deems essential for maintaining a resilient democracy.
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