• INLEAP Photonics and the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr started a six-month joint testing programme for laser-based C-UAS in April as part of the “Laserdome” innovation project
• The aim is to test INLEAP^® FASTLIGHT^® SHIELD, INLEAP Photonics’ integrated laser-based C-UAS solution, against drone swarms and to demonstrate that the system can neutralise them precisely, efficiently and in an eye-safe manner
• The tests will take place under real-world operating conditions and are intended to lay the foundation for future use by the Bundeswehr to protect mobile installations and high-value targets

Hanover, 7 May 2026 – INLEAP Photonics and the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, are conducting a joint test series to evaluate laser-based C-UAS. The focus is on demonstrating the performance of INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD, a C-UAS solution based on industrial laser beam steering technology, under real-world operating conditions.

The six-month testing programme will take place at Bundeswehr training areas and will be accompanied by soldiers. In addition to functional tests, targeted adjustments to the system are planned. The objective is to demonstrate the capability to effectively neutralise drone swarms and to establish, under real-world operating conditions, the prerequisites for future use by the Bundeswehr to protect mobile installations.

Setting new standards in laser-based C-UAS

Drones pose a growing challenge for armed forces and security-relevant sectors. Existing solutions are often costly, difficult to scale or unsuitable for sensitive environments. INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD is based on ultra-fast, precise laser beam steering technology from industry and enables controlled drone defence with a high level of operational safety and low costs.

“For us, this test series is an important step in proving our technology in a security-relevant context,” says Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers, Co-Founder and CEO of INLEAP Photonics. “We have developed our technology based on more than ten years of experience in industrial laser systems engineering. We are now demonstrating that it also works precisely, reliably and responsibly in security-relevant applications – especially where soldiers, civilian life and critical infrastructure need to be protected.”

Robert Hoffmann, Project Lead at the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr, adds: “The ‘Laserdome’ innovation project focuses on the use of mobile lasers to protect high-value targets. We are specifically looking for innovative solutions that address real operational challenges. The collaboration with INLEAP Photonics enables us to test a promising technology in a practical setting and to assess its potential for the troops on a sound basis.”

The test series started in April 2026. A system demonstration is planned as part of the project phase, during which representatives of the Bundeswehr will be able to review the results on site.

About INLEAP Photonics

INLEAP Photonics is a German high-tech company that produces and distributes ultra-fast and precise laser beam steering systems. The company develops and industrialises high-performance laser technology for two fields of application: increasing efficiency and productivity in industrial manufacturing, and safely protecting people and critical infrastructure from drones.

Based on the industry-proven INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® technology, INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD has been developed as a laser-based solution for controlled and eye-safe C-UAS. It enables use even in sensitive and urban environments – reliably, precisely and without collateral damage.

INLEAP Photonics was founded as a spin-off from Laser Zentrum Hannover e. V. and combines in-depth expertise in optics and laser systems engineering with industrial robustness. The company addresses industrial users, public-sector customers and security-relevant organisations in Europe. Further information is available at: inleap-photonics.com.

About Cyber Innovation Hub

The Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr (CIHBw) is the Bundeswehr’s startup and the change agent of the German Armed Forces. As the first digital innovation unit of a German federal ministry, its mission is to discover and implement unconventional solutions for the troops – quickly, effectively and with a consistent focus on users.

To this end, it works closely with the startup ecosystem, industry and innovators within the troops. The CIHBw deliberately challenges existing processes, creates constructive friction and accelerates the Bundeswehr’s transformation towards a modern culture of innovation and implementation. The CIHBw does not think in concepts, but in concrete results for operations.

As an innovation unit, the CIHBw primarily develops AI-supported solutions for reconnaissance and command under the military paradigm of Software Defined Defence. Its current focus areas include UAS and c-UAS, situational awareness, electronic warfare, cyberspace and logistics. Further information is available at: www.cihbw.de.