Israel has become the first country in the world to successfully deploy high-power laser interception systems in active combat, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in modern warfare technology.
During the ongoing Swords of Iron War, Israeli Air Force personnel operated laser system prototypes in the field and successfully intercepted dozens of enemy threats, according to a joint statement from the Israel Ministry of Defense, Israeli Air Force, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The breakthrough represents the culmination of an accelerated development program launched during the current conflict, building on decades of technological research. The laser systems are part of Rafael’s directed energy weapon portfolio and complement the more powerful Iron Beam system, which is expected to be delivered to the Israel Defense Forces later this year.
“The State of Israel is the first in the world to demonstrate large-scale operational laser interception capabilities,” said Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold, head of the Ministry’s Directorate of Defense Research & Development. “Our vision for deploying laser weapons was realized during the war with tremendous technological and operational success.”
“Outstanding interception rates”
The systems achieved “outstanding interception rates that saved civilian lives and protected national assets,” according to the ministry statement. Israeli Air Force Aerial Defense Array soldiers studied and deployed the laser systems throughout the conflict.
Rafael Chairman Dr. Yuval Steinitz emphasized the historic nature of the achievement. “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,” he said.
The technology is based on breakthroughs developed over decades at Rafael in cooperation with the Defense Ministry’s research division. Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman noted that the company’s “massive investment in R&D” resulted in what he called “a monumental operational and technological accomplishment.”
The laser interception systems will provide an additional layer within Israel’s multi-tiered air defense array, which already includes the Iron Dome missile defense system. The new technology offers the advantage of fast, precise, and cost-effective interceptions.
Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes, head of the Defense Ministry’s R&D Division, said multiple high-power laser system prototypes were deployed during the war, resulting in “the world’s first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield.”
An unnamed Israeli Air Force brigadier general who heads the Aerial Defense Array called the operational successes “a significant achievement for Israel,” highlighting both the defense industry’s innovative capabilities and the adaptability of Air Force personnel.
The ministry provided video footage of the laser systems in operation, though specific details about the types of threats intercepted or the exact locations of deployments were not disclosed for security reasons.
The successful deployment comes as Israel continues to face various aerial threats during the ongoing conflict, including rockets, drones, and other projectiles from multiple fronts.
