Altechna has been chosen to join the Tactical Advanced Laser Optical Systems (TALOS)-TWO project, a European Defence Fund initiative valued at €25m ($26.69m).
The project’s goal is to develop Europe’s first fully sovereign 100kW-class laser-directed energy weapons by the year 2030
Go deeper with GlobalData
These 100kW-class lasers are being considered for integration into air, ground, and maritime platforms to enhance targeting accuracy in military and defence operations.
Altechna’s role in the TALOS project is providing essential optics expertise necessary for the development of these high-energy laser systems.
The collaborative effort includes 21 partners from eight countries, featuring defence contractors such as CILAS from France, Leonardo from Italy, and Rheinmetall from Germany.
The consortium also comprises seven research organisations, five small and medium enterprises, and one middle capitalisation company.
Building on the original TALOS project, which spanned from 2019 to 2023 and established the basis for European laser-directed energy weapons, the European Defence Agency completed the initial phase in 2023.
TALOS-TWO is intended to transition from theoretical research to tangible real-world applications, with advancements in laser power output and beam combination methods.
The company notes that a key aspect of TALOS-TWO is the development of a European supply chain for high-energy laser sources, aiming to reduce reliance on external suppliers and bolster Europe’s defence autonomy.
This second phase is set to produce physical demonstrators, including two high-power 1micron combined laser sources and simulated 2micron laser combinations.
It also introduces dynamic 3D visualisation of danger zones and studies to analyse the laser’s impact on actual targets, enhancing targeting precision and effectiveness.
The project focuses on three main areas which are: enhancing military and defence capabilities, strengthening Europe’s technological and industrial base, and formulating a long-term strategic roadmap for integration.
Altechna CEO Antanas Laurutis said: “Ongoing conflicts at Europe’s borders and increasing security challenges made Europe understand that no single country can stand alone in ensuring its defence. Therefore, the continent has taken a decisive step to strengthen its security as a united front and move away from fragmented national efforts. TALOS-TWO is proof of that.
“By developing sovereign laser-directed energy weapons, we adopt cutting-edge military technology and reinforce Europe’s ability to deter external threats as a cohesive force.”
By 2030, the initiative aims to deliver high-power laser weapons ready for deployment in operational environments, achieving Technology Readiness Level 8.
The integration of these systems into national defence programmes is expected to expedite technology adoption and fortify European military forces’ national defence capabilities.
