Israel uses High-Power Lasers to intercept inbound threats

For the first time ever, troops from the Israeli Air Force (IAF) have used High-Power Laser (HPL) systems to intercept ‘scores’ of enemy aerial threats.

In partnership with the IAF and Israeli Ministry of Defense’s (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has executed an accelerated development program to deploy HPL prototypes, the company says.

“Israel is the first country in the world to transform high-power laser technology into a fully operational system – and to execute actual combat interceptions” said Dr Yuval Steinitz, Chairman of Rafael.

“Rafael is leading the energy weapon revolution,” added Yoav Tourgeman, CEO of Rafael, citing the company’s massive investment in R&D. “Later this year, we will deliver the first Iron Beam system — a game-changing solution that will fundamentally reshape the defence equation.”

Troops from the IAF Aerial Defense Array operated the HPL system prototypes, successfully intercepting scores of enemy threats, Rafael says. The HPLs are based on technological breakthroughs developed at Rafael, it adds, in close cooperation with the R&D Division of the DDR&D.

“Laser interception systems will provide an additional layer within Israel’s multi-tiered air defence array, which has been meticulously developed through the tireless efforts of the defence industries and Israel’s exceptional human capital,” said BRIG (Ret) Dr Daniel Gold, Head of IMOD’s DDR&D.

The deployed laser systems are part of Rafael’s portfolio of directed energy weapon systems, developed in collaboration with the IMOD, and complement the more powerful Iron Beam system, currently under development, which is expected to be delivered to the IDF later this year, says Rafael.

“Rafael’s defence and strike systems have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, making a meaningful contribution to Israel’s national security, particularly during the current war,” said Tourgeman. “Later this year, we will deliver the first Iron Beam system from Rafael’s production lines to the IMOD. This system will fundamentally change the defence equation by enabling fast, precise, cost-effective interceptions, unmatched by any existing system.”