Altechna Collaborates on Europe's First 100kW Laser Weapon Development

Lithuanian photonics company Altechna has been selected to participate in the Tactical Advanced Laser Optical Systems-TWO (TALOS-TWO) project, an ambitious European initiative aiming to develop the continent's first fully sovereign 100-kilowatt (kW) laser weapon by 2030.

Project Overview

TALOS-TWO seeks to enhance Europe's defense capabilities by integrating high-power laser weapons into air, ground, and maritime platforms. These directed-energy weapons are expected to improve precision and effectiveness in neutralizing emerging threats, such as rockets, artillery, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The project is funded by the European Defence Fund, with a budget of approximately 25 million euros. It builds upon the foundation laid by the original TALOS project, which focused on concept validation and preliminary research in laser-directed energy weapons.

Altechna's Role

Altechna's involvement in TALOS-TWO centers on providing essential optics expertise. The company will contribute to the development of dynamic 3D visualization of danger zones, a critical component in ensuring the laser weapon's accuracy and safety. This technology will allow operators to assess and engage targets effectively while minimizing collateral damage.

Collaborative Effort

The TALOS-TWO project brings together a consortium of 21 companies from eight European countries, including notable defense contractors such as France's CILAS, Italy's Leonardo, and Germany's Rheinmetall. Additionally, seven research organizations are involved, ensuring continuous innovation and advancement throughout the project's duration.

Strategic Significance

The development of a sovereign 100kW laser weapon represents a significant step toward strengthening Europe's defense autonomy. By investing in cutting-edge military technology, European nations aim to deter external threats collectively, moving away from fragmented national efforts. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the continent's evolving security challenges.

As the project progresses, TALOS-TWO is expected to deliver two high-power 1-micron combined laser source demonstrators and simulate combining methods using 2-micron laser sources. These advancements will establish a European supply chain for laser components and pave the way for future developments in laser-directed energy weapons.

In summary, Altechna's participation in the TALOS-TWO project highlights Europe's commitment to advancing its defense capabilities through collaborative innovation, aiming to achieve a fully sovereign 100kW-class laser weapon by 2030.