Trumpf enters the arms industry: high-performance lasers for drone defense!

Trumpf enters the arms industry: high-performance lasers for drone defense!

The family that owns the renowned laser producer Trumpf from Ditzingen has decided to use high-performance lasers in the defense sector. Against the background of changing security policy conditions, particularly as a result of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the company plans to use laser technology for defensive applications in the defense industry. This is reported by SWR.

Trumpf will work with the Munich radar sensor manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz. The high-performance lasers are intended to use innovative technology to fend off unmanned drones by specifically damaging the electronics of these devices. Through this method, Trumpf aims to offer a non-lethal defense solution, which is particularly important in urban areas to avoid collateral damage.

Products and possible uses

Trumpf has established itself as the technological market leader in laser technology. The company develops and builds machines that are used, among other things, for cutting sheet metal, welding batteries and producing metallic components using 3D printing. An important new development is lasers, which can be used to defend against both spy drones and unmanned combat drones. A tested prototype demonstrates the ability to disable drones by blinding the cameras or overheating the engines. This shows the potential of the technology in modern defense strategy, as [Industriemagazin](https://industriemagazin.at/news/trumpf-drohnenwehr-ruestung-einstieg-laser Waffen/) reports.

What is particularly noteworthy is that Trumpf emphasizes that the new systems are only set up to defend against objects and are not directed against people. A spokesman for the company reiterated that it only delivers weapon systems or their components that serve defensive purposes.

Economic challenges and job cuts

Despite these innovative steps, Trumpf is currently facing significant economic challenges. Sales in the 2024/25 financial year fell by 16 percent to over 4.3 billion euros, while profits also fell sharply. Order intake fell from 4.6 billion euros to 4.2 billion euros. In order to stabilize the financial situation, the company plans to cut over 1,000 jobs. These developments also have a negative impact on employees, as the workforce is unlikely to receive any profit sharing this year. In the previous year this was 1,810 euros, two years before it was even 3,750 euros, as [Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten](https://deutsche-wirtschafts-nachrichten.de/717429/einstieg-in-die-ruestungsindustrie-laserspezialist-trumpf-developed-system-zur-drone defense) reported.