Israel completes development of high-power laser weapon for air defence

Israel’s Defence Ministry announced on September 17 that it has completed the development of a high-powered laser weapon, which is expected to become operational by the end of the year to strengthen the country’s multi-layered air defence system.

The 100-kilowatt Iron Beam laser, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and Elbit Systems Ltd., successfully intercepted drones, rockets, mortars, and aircraft during a series of tests conducted in southern Israel, according to the ministry, cited by Bloomberg. The system will be integrated into the Iron Dome missile defence shield in the coming months, providing an additional layer of protection.

The ministry did not provide figures on the system’s interception rate. The laser has technical limitations, including reduced effectiveness in cloudy weather. Nevertheless, the technology is being promoted as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional missile defences, with each interception estimated to cost less than $5, compared with tens of thousands of dollars per hit for conventional systems.

Directed-energy weapons have been pursued globally as a potential replacement for expensive munitions, though scaling the technology has proven challenging. Israel claims to be the first nation to complete such a system, though details on other countries’ programs remain unclear.

Defence Minister Israel Katz described the weapon as providing “rapid, precise interception at marginal cost that joins our existing defence systems and changes the threat equation.” Earlier this year, Israel acknowledged deploying a less-powerful version of the system in combat.

The announcement comes amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, which began when operatives crossed into Israeli territory two years ago, killing 1,200 people, abducting 250, and firing roughly 3,000 missiles. The conflict has escalated into a multi-front war, with tens of thousands of projectiles launched at Israel. An affordable and effective laser defence could play a pivotal role in countering such attacks.

Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in approximately 65,000 deaths and the destruction of large areas of the coastal enclave, drawing international condemnation.

The disclosure of the laser system followed remarks by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who emphasised that Israel must pursue security independence amid increasing international isolation.

By Tamilla Hasanova