- INLEAP Photonics is leading a project study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg)
- The aim is to develop a robust safety concept for the technical, organisational and legal use of laser-based technologies on Bundeswehr sites in Germany
- INLEAP Photonics contributes its expertise in laser effectors and laser safety
Hanover, 23 June 2026 – On behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg), INLEAP Photonics is leading a project study on the “risk assessment of short-term emissions in the context of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)” together with Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., BG ETEM and AGIMUS GmbH. The study examines the technical, organisational and legal requirements for the use of laser-based technologies on Bundeswehr-owned sites in Germany.
Laser-based technologies are becoming increasingly important in various security-related fields of application, including surveillance, defence, access control and industrial safety. However, their responsible use requires a scientifically sound assessment of potential impacts on humans and the environment: lasers generate extremely intense, highly concentrated light which, particularly in non-eye-safe operation, can cause irreversible damage to the human optic nerve. The project study is intended to make a methodological contribution in this area and provide a basis for testing and potentially using such technologies in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act.
Scientific basis for the safe use of laser-based technologies
The study focuses on probabilistic methods for assessing potential risks from short-term laser emissions that may be harmful to health in the context of immission control. The aim is to systematically analyse the probability of such events occurring and, on this basis, to develop a robust safety concept.
INLEAP Photonics contributes its expertise in ultrafast, eye-safe and high-precision laser beam steering systems, as well as in machine and laser safety. The company has many years of experience in developing and industrially testing high-performance laser system technology and is currently working on security-related applications.
“Laser-based technologies can only realise their full potential if safety and regulatory requirements are considered from the outset,“ says Dr.-Ing. Marius Lammers, Founder and CEO of INLEAP Photonics. “With our technological expertise, we are helping to make risks associated with laser exposure controllable and to create a sound basis for future applications.“
The relevance of laser-based technologies for security-related applications was recently demonstrated at ILA Berlin: at the STARK Defence booth, Nils Hilmer, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry of Defence and commissioning authority of the project study, witnessed first-hand the potential of laser-based C-UAS technologies. During a live demonstration, he activated the effector specifically developed by INLEAP Photonics and neutralised a drone within seconds. The demonstration illustrated the potential of laser-based technologies in such scenarios, while also highlighting the importance of robust assessment and safety foundations for their possible use.
The results of the study are to be transferred into a structured safety concept that defines the framework conditions for tests and future applications of laser-based technologies in accordance with applicable law.
About INLEAP Photonics
INLEAP Photonics is a German high-tech company that develops, manufactures and sells ultra-fast and highly precise laser beam steering systems. The company develops and industrialises high-performance laser technology for two key applications: increasing efficiency and productivity in industrial manufacturing, and enabling safe and controlled drone defence to protect people and critical infrastructure.
Based on the industrially proven INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® technology, INLEAP® FASTLIGHT® SHIELD has been developed as a laser-based solution for controlled and eye-safe drone defence. It enables deployment 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 deep expertise in optics and laser systems engineering with industrial robustness. The company addresses industrial users, public-sector clients and security-relevant organisations across Europe. Further information is available at inleap-photonics.com.
