The Rheinmetall High Energy Laser Gun is a 30kW laser weapon technology demonstrator in a modular concept. A major advantage of HEL effectors is their outstanding flexibility with regards to escalation and de-escalation. The output power of the High Energy Laser Gun is eminently scalable. When fired at optics for aircraft, UAVs, weapons or energy sources, for example, the HEL effector is able to neutralize entire weapon systems without destroying them. Efficient protection against a large spectrum of modern air threats is achieved by increasing the laser power per gun station and combining several guns.