The French arms procurement agency has made significant strides in military technology by teaming up with a consortium of domestic firms to develop a cutting-edge demonstrator for a new laser weapon system, expected to be operational by 2030. This innovative project, named the New Generation Laser Defense System, or Syderal, is primarily designed for counter-drone and short-range air defense applications.
The Syderal demonstrator aims to leverage advanced technology by combining multiple laser beams to enhance both the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations. With a power output projected in the range of several tens of kilowatts, the system promises to exceed the capabilities of similar technologies available globally.
The consortium includes respected entities such as MBDA, Safran Electronics & Defense, Thales, and CILAS, who bring specialized expertise in areas such as laser beam combining, high-precision video tracking, and adaptive optics. These competencies are expected to contribute significantly to the Syderal system’s operational advantages over existing solutions.
Cilas has already demonstrated its capabilities through the deployment of the Helma-P counter-drone laser system during the Paris 2024 Olympics. This advanced system is designed to detect, identify, track, and neutralize agile targets with exceptional precision in various environments, including both operational theaters and urban settings. Its effectiveness is underscored by its ability to neutralize threats such as drones, radars, rockets, and improvised explosive devices at ranges exceeding one kilometer (0.62 miles).
The development of the Syderal demonstrator will build upon the experiences gained during the Helma-P system’s iterations, marking an essential step towards achieving higher power levels and addressing increasingly complex threats like missiles. To facilitate this development, Cilas and Lumibird were recently awarded a 10-million-euro ($12-million) contract aimed at generating a laser source capable of combining multiple beams, a key component for achieving very high power outputs.
This ambitious project adds to the growing global trend of military agencies investing in countermeasures against drones, rockets, and artillery, highlighting a shift towards more cost-effective and efficient defense technologies. Similar initiatives can be observed in other countries, including Germany’s Laser Weapon Demonstrator, the UK’s DragonFire project, and an initiative led by MBDA Italia and Leonardo for the Italian Navy.
