Italy is set to lead a new European Union initiative focused on developing a mobile laser air defense system, according to Overt Defense. The program, supported through the European Defence Fund (EDF), will coordinate cross-national research and industrial efforts to design a deployable directed-energy platform capable of neutralizing drones and aerial threats.
The project represents a significant move by the EU to accelerate development of next-generation air defense solutions that leverage high-energy laser (HEL) technologies. These systems promise to provide cost-effective, scalable interception against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and precision-guided munitions, addressing vulnerabilities exposed in recent conflicts.
Italy’s defense industry, led by companies such as Leonardo and MBDA Italia, will coordinate with European partners to integrate beam control, target tracking, and power management systems into a modular field platform. Early design stages will focus on mobility and interoperability with NATO-standard defense networks.
The initiative aligns with the European Defence Fund’s objective to enhance collaborative R&D within the bloc and reduce dependence on non-EU defense technologies. Several other EU member states, including France and Germany, are expected to contribute to subsystems and research on laser materials and energy storage.
By consolidating resources and expertise, the EU seeks to position itself at the forefront of directed-energy defense innovation, marking a notable step in the region’s shift toward autonomous air protection architectures.