Tel Aviv (Agencies) – The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced that the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has successfully carried out battlefield interceptions using high-power laser weapons, marking a significant milestone in military technology.
Developed under an accelerated program by the Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), IAF, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the laser systems were deployed by IAF Aerial Defense Array personnel, successfully neutralizing scores of enemy threats during combat operations.
The MoD released footage showing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being destroyed by laser weapons during the war that began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which later saw UAV attacks by Hizbullah before a ceasefire on 27 November 2024.
Daniel Gold, head of DDR&D, stated, “Shortly after the fighting began, we deployed several laser systems to help intercept enemy threats. We performed over 40 real operational interceptions during the fighting.” He added that work continues on high-power laser development, with plans for future deployment.
Gold clarified that the Iron Beam system, designed to complement the Iron Dome, was not among the deployed systems, but its delivery is expected soon.
The breakthrough positions Israel as a global leader in directed-energy weapons, reinforcing its multi-layered air defense strategy.