Europe beefs up TALOS-TWO laser weapon project

TALOS-TWO is aiming to develop Europe's first fully sovereign 100 kW-class laser-directed energy weapons by 2030. The €25m project got underway in December 2024, building on the work of the original TALOS project which ran from 2019-2023. TALOS-TWO features 21 partners from eight countries, including major defence contractors such as CILAS (France), Leonardo (Italy), and Rheinmetall (Germany). 

“Ongoing conflicts at Europe's borders and increasing security challenges made Europe understand that no single country can stand alone in ensuring its defence,” said Antanas Laurutis, CEO of Altechna. “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.”

Whereas the original TALOS project focused on concept validation, the TALOS-TWO consortium is building physical demonstrators, including two high-power 1µm combined laser sources and simulated 2µm laser combinations.  

“In lasers, wavelength is measured in micrometres, which determines performance and application,” said Deividas Buinovskis, CTO of Altechna.

“A 1µm laser is ideal for precision targeting and material processing, while 2µm offers advantages in atmospheric penetration and eye-safe applications. By developing both, TALOS-TWO is improving directed energy capabilities for defence by enhancing range, efficiency, and adaptability in real-world scenarios.”

TALOS-TWO is set to deliver high-power laser weapons ready for real-world deployment by 2030, reaching Technology Readiness Level 8, which represents innovations that are fully tested and demonstrated in operational environments. According to Altechna, the project will not only improve military and defence capabilities, it will also help strengthen Europe’s technological and industrial base.

“Many countries in this region still rely on outdated defence systems," said Buinovskis. “Strengthening Europe’s defence with advanced laser technologies will not only improve collective security, it will also ensure that regions like Central and Eastern Europe have the tools to counter modern threats.

“By working with partners like the Czech Republic, we’re both upgrading regional security and creating innovation hubs that cultivate technological progress where it’s needed most.”