Israel is moving towards the deployment of a high-powered laser system designed to intercept rockets, drones and other aerial threats, in what officials describe as a major technological leap in air defense.
Daniel Gold, head of the defense research and development directorate at the Israel Ministry of Defense, said on Monday that the country is developing an advanced laser interception system capable of being mounted on aircraft, in addition to ground-based deployment. He said the technology represents a new generation of defensive capability.
The Israeli military confirmed on Sunday that it had taken delivery of a high-energy laser interceptor known as Iron Beam, which will be integrated into Israel’s existing multi-layered missile defense architecture.
According to the defense ministry, the system was developed jointly by Israeli defense companies Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Iron Beam is designed to operate alongside Israel’s established air defense systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow.
Officials said testing has shown that the laser system can reliably intercept rockets, mortar shells, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. One of its key advantages is cost efficiency, as laser interceptions are significantly cheaper to operate than traditional missile-based defenses.
According to US estimates, a laser weapon can neutralize a drone at a cost of roughly four dollars per interception, compared with the far higher costs associated with firing interceptor missiles from Israel’s current defense systems.
During a visit to Rafael, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said the laser system signals a fundamental shift in modern warfare, with implications for both defensive and offensive operations.
Israel’s push to deploy laser-based air defense comes as countries around the world race to develop lower-cost, high-speed solutions to counter the growing threat posed by rockets and drones. If fully operational, Iron Beam would place Israel among the global leaders in the use of directed-energy weapons on the battlefield.
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