Latest news with #IronBeam
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Israel becomes the first country to down drones in combat with a laser weapon
Israel's military used new laser weapons to kill enemy drones, making it the first country to do so in a war. It marks a major development in the fielding and use of these experimental weapons, which militaries worldwide are developing to deepen their defenses against drones and missiles, reducing the strain on other missiles and other projectiles. Israel's Ministry of Defense announced that soldiers from Israeli Air Force Aerial Defense Array deployed and operated a high-power laser system prototype, which successfully intercepted enemy threats. It is a big step closer to strategists' vision of a future battlefield where the expanding threat of missiles and drones can be countered by the zaps of laser weapons that have an unlimited magazine. A video shared by the Israeli Ministry of Defense showed the laser systems in action, in at least 3 interceptions. One engagement shows the laser igniting the drone's wingtip, causing it to spiral and crash. Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes, head of the ministry's defense and research directorate, said prototypes have previously been deployed "culminating in the world's first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield." Feedback from the use of the weapons will continue to inform their use and development, he and other officials said in a statement shared with BI. The systems are made by Israeli-based defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. They're directed energy weapons that point an intense beam of light at a target and use heat to damage or destroy it; these processes demand pinpoint accuracy and high power. The defense ministry said the weapons "complement the more powerful Iron Beam system," a larger network of similar systems that's in the works. Iron Beam is estimated to cost $500 million and would add another layer to Israel's layered air defenses — one especially useful against the kinds of drones that Hamas and Hezbollah wield. Laser weapons have been a priority for militaries around world, especially in the Middle East, where countries are racing to field the technology. Besides Israel, Saudia Arabia is using Chinese systems to develop laser air defense capacities, while the United Arab Emirates is working on its own system. The US, too, is actively working on laser prototypes, such as the AN/SEQ-3 Laser Weapon System made by Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, as well as microwave emitters and other directed-energy weapons. Officials have suggested lasers are particularly useful for taking out cheaper enemy targets like drones rather than expending expensive missile interceptors. That's been at the forefront of conversations around conflicts in waters around the Middle East, where the US has expended over a billion dollars in munitions to shoot down Houthi drones. With Israel's landmark use of the weapon, Rafael CEO Yoav Tourgeman said the system "will fundamentally change the defense equation by enabling fast, precise, cost-effective interceptions, unmatched by any existing system." There remain issues, though, surrounding the amount of power and accuracy needed for a laser to destroy its target. Lasers have struggled to work around water or through clouds or smoke, because moisture or other particles diffuse the laser's beam. And even a functional laser weapon requires a high-voltage energy source and an accurate sensor system that are likely to become targets of attack.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel claims drone interceptions with high-power lasers
JERUSALEM — The Israeli military this week said it had intercepted about 40 unmanned aerial vehicles by high-power laser systems in the wider Gaza war, a first in a combat engagement. The majority of interceptions were of Hezbollah UAVs from Israel's Northern border, along with other unspecified battle arenas, the government said. The systems were operated by the Israeli Air Force's new tactical air defense battalion, which was attached to the IDF's Northern Command during the war. The Israeli Ministry of Defense declined to specify which systems brought down the drones, saying only that no Iron Beam components were involved. Iron Beam describes Israel's main laser-defense architecture, meant to work in tandem with the kinetic interceptor-based Iron Dome. In released images accompanying the announcement, Rafael's Lite Beam system can be seen. Israeli defense officials also point to an Iron Beam-M system that Rafael unveiled during last year's AUSA exhibit in Washington. A Rafael spokesperson declined to clarify which company weapons were involved in the combat engagement. Rafael's website says that the Lite Beam is a 10-kW class high energy laser weapon system (HELWS) for countering a wide range of low altitude aerial threats including small UAVs and swarms of drones alongside ground-based threats. It is designed for light 4×4 vehicles as well as for 6×6, 8×8, and tracked armored fighting vehicles. The weapon focuses intense heat on a coin-sized spot, neutralizing up to 10 targets simultaneously at ranges of up to a few kilometers, according to Rafael. The Iron Beam-M system is based on the larger Iron Beam system, but modified for mobility. According to Rafael, the system employs a 50-kW laser.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Lite Beam: Will Israel's New Laser Weapon Replace Traditional Missiles?
Last Updated: Easily mounted on Army vehicles, the Israeli laser system enhances mobile combat power. Adopting it would push India further into next-gen defence technology Israel has unveiled the Lite Beam Hard Kill Neutralization System, an advanced laser weapon designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats like drones and mortars mid-air, marking a major leap in next-generation air defence technology. Building on the success of the Iron Beam laser defence, Israeli defence firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' latest innovation offers enhanced accuracy for short-range engagements. This, if acquired, may strengthen India's defence capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges. How India Can Benefit From Acquiring It The growing technological partnership and exchange of advanced weapon systems between Israel and India is playing a crucial role in strengthening regional security. With India already having acquired the SkyStriker kamikaze drone from Israel, it may now explore the possibility of procuring this laser beam technology as well. Israel's new laser technology is designed to neutralise drones, mortars and small missiles mid-air. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, the system uses a high-powered laser beam to jam and destroy enemy threats at close range with high precision. Compact and versatile, it can be mounted on standard vehicles such as a 4×4 jeep, making deployment quick and flexible. In addition to physical interception, the system also functions as a jammer, disabling enemy electronic equipment. Its laser beam is virtually unlimited, allowing for continuous and rapid-fire operation. The system can which can be mounted on operational Army vehicles will boost mobile combat capabilities. Moreover, adopting this advanced Israeli technology would mark another step forward for India in embracing next-generation defence systems. BrahMos, known as the P-800 Onyx in Russia, was developed through an India-Russia joint venture. In a similar way, if India co-develops Israel's laser beam technology, it could lower costs and secure a significant advantage in aerial defence. What Is Israel's Lite Beam? The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have, for the first time, confirmed the operational success of a newly developed laser-based defence system, capable of intercepting multiple aerial threats during the current conflict. As reported by The Jerusalem Post, the system—closely related to the Iron Beam laser platform—has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-time combat, marking a major leap in Israel's deployment of directed energy weapons. The Jerusalem Post also noted that the IDF had previously employed laser technology in operational scenarios as early as 2024, though restrictions at the time prevented public disclosure. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased its latest innovations at the AUSA defence exhibition held in Washington, DC, from October 14–16, 2024. Among the highlights was the debut of the Lite Beam laser interception system, integrated with the Trophy active protection system. According to The Jerusalem Post, defence sources have suggested that Israel's new Lite Beam laser system is primarily designed to counter drones and potentially mortar threats, though it is not yet capable of intercepting larger threats like rockets or long-range missiles. Sources also noted that the Lite Beam features hard-kill neutralisation technology, which can be mounted on various military vehicles. It can also function as part of Israel's Drone Dome system, which combines jamming and soft-kill measures to disable aerial threats. Rafael highlighted that the Lite Beam offers key benefits such as near-instant engagement, an effectively unlimited firing capacity, and extremely low cost per use—making it a highly efficient solution for short-range air defence. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 30, 2025, 14:15 IST
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel's Iron Beam Laser Air Defense System Has Downed Enemy Drones
Israel has used a new air defense laser to shoot down Hezbollah drones in the current conflict in the Middle East, it has been confirmed. What is described as an adapted version of the Iron Beam system made its combat debut last October, and the definitive version should be fielded by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later this year, joining an already formidable, layered air defense network, something you can read about in more detail here. The use of the Iron Beam — also known by its Hebrew name Magen Or — was announced by the IDF, Israeli Air Force (IAF), and defense contractor Rafael, in a joint statement. These three organizations, it is said, 'executed an accelerated development program to deploy revolutionary interception systems,' as part of an effort that also involved Israel's Directorate of Defense Research and Development. A World First — Combat-Proven Laser Defense, Powered by RafaelFor the first time in history, high-power laser systems have been used to intercept aerial threats in unprecedented breakthrough took place during the Swords of Iron War — with Rafael's advanced… — Rafael Advanced Defense Systems (@RAFAELdefense) May 28, 2025 The crash program saw the Iron Beam fielded by the IAF Aerial Defense Array, which used prototypes of the high-power laser to successfully intercept 'scores of enemy threats.' Israeli media outlets described the Iron Beam as initially deployed as a 'scaled-down version' of the definitive system, but provided no further details of how it differed or how the batteries were set up. In its definitive form, Iron Beam is trailer-mounted and uses a directed-energy weapon to destroy targets, including rockets, mortars, and drones. In the past, reports described the system as firing 'an electric 100-150 kW solid-state laser that will be capable of intercepting rockets and missiles.' In April 2022, IDF Brig. Gen. Yaniv Rotem said that the Iron Beam had been tested at 'challenging' ranges and timings,' according to the Times of Israel. 'The use of a laser is a 'game changer' and the technology is simple to operate and proves to be economically viable,' Rotem added. That particular test included the 'interception of shrapnel, rockets, anti-tank missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, in a variety of complex scenarios,' according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. 'Israel is one of the first countries in the world to succeed in developing powerful laser technology in operational standards and demonstrate interception in an operational scenario,' the ministry added. At the same time, the IDF posted a 103-second video online, showcasing what it claimed was the system locking on and destroying rockets, mortars, and a drone. In general, developing and fielding a practical air defense laser has long been a challenge for many different countries, but for Israel, the benefits of such a system are especially obvious. For years now, the IDF has faced the threat of large-scale barrage-type attacks by one or more of its adversaries, including significant numbers of relatively low-cost rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds. Until now, defense against attacks of this kind has been entrusted to the Iron Dome system, which was developed specifically to counter small and fast-flying targets. Multiple accounts testify to the effectiveness of Iron Dome, although this comes at considerable expense, since it burns through a significant quantity of Tamir missile interceptors. Larger barrage attacks risk exhausting the stocks of Tamir interceptors altogether, at least in the short term. In contrast, Iron Beam can engage many targets at a drastically reduced cost. In April 2022, Israel's then-Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that Iron Beam was able to shoot down targets at a cost of $3.50 per shot. Israel has successfully tested the new 'Iron Beam' laser interception is the world's first energy-based weapons system that uses a laser to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets & mortars at a cost of $3.50 per may sound like science fiction, but it's real. — Naftali Bennett נפתלי בנט (@naftalibennett) April 14, 2022 More recent reports put the cost of a single Iron Beam shot close to $2.50. Regardless, this is a huge difference compared to the roughly $50,000 price tag — which is among the lowest estimates — for a single Tamir interceptor missile. Even before the latest conflict in the Middle East, Israel was accelerating its plans to deploy Iron Beam, which was originally expected to go online in 2024. A key driver behind this was the worry that interceptor missiles for the Iron Dome and other systems could be exhausted in a more intense, longer-lasting campaign. Prior to the latest hostilities, it was assessed that Hezbollah had an arsenal of around 130,000 rockets, missiles, and mortar shells, while, in Gaza, Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad had many thousands of additional rockets and mortar shells. At the same time, there is a growing threat from long-range one-way attack drones, many of them supplied by Iran, which have also seen significant use in the current conflict. Notably, only Hezbollah drones are mentioned as having been shot down by the interim Iron Beam in the October engagements, although there may well have been other kinds of targets, too. Approx. 40 launches were identified crossing from Lebanese territory, some of which were IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted 2 Hezbollah explosive UAVs that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory earlier this evening. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 12, 2024 At the same time, laser weapons do have limitations, including their short-term magazine depth being limited to how many successive shots they can fire before thermal loads require the system to cool down. Additionally, laser systems don't function as well in heavy cloud cover and other inclement weather. 'We can only shoot down with a laser what we can see,' Brig. Gen. Rotem previously told the Times of Israel. At the same time, a laser weapon of this kind is very much a point-defense weapon, with its short range meaning that multiple systems will be needed to provide coverage of a significant area. In some situations, even a single very large military base might require multiple such systems to provide adequate defense. With that in mind, Iron Beam is viewed as a system that's complementary to Iron Dome and other kinetic systems, rather than a replacement. Once again, while we don't know in what kind of form the interim Iron Beam was fielded, reports indicate that it was successful, at least to a degree. 'The State of Israel is the first in the world to demonstrate large-scale operational laser interception capabilities,' said Dr. Daniel Gold, the head of the Directorate of Defense Research and Development, who previously helped create the Iron Dome. 'Our vision for deploying laser weapons was realized during the war with tremendous technological and operational success,' Gold added. Gold also suggested that the IDF plans to field similar kinds of laser-based interception systems on aircraft and on warships. Israel has already tested at least one high-powered airborne laser weapon, with the Ministry of Defense announcing in 2021 that it had successfully intercepted several target drones using a system of this kind. You can read more about that test here. Intriguingly, Israeli defense company Elbit Systems responded to news of the combat use of Iron Beam with a tweet with an illustration of an unnamed pod-based laser weapon arming an F-16 fighter. The accompanying text stated: 'At Elbit Systems, hundreds of engineers and experts are working every day on the next frontier: airborne high-power laser systems. This is our mission. This is our future.' Notably, developing and fielding an airborne laser system has proven elusive in the United States, something that TWZ has reported on on various occasions in the past. All things considered, laser weapons are still very much in their infancy. But the fact that Israel rushed a version of its Iron Beam into service last year indicates just how valuable this technology is considered. While laser weapons are not a cure-all for air defense needs, they clearly have a place, and the definitive version of Iron Beam will be a valuable addition to Israel's already impressive multi-layered air defense array. Contact the author: thomas@
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Bad news for enemies of Israel as IDF creates history by stopping air strikes with new...., Hamas and Houthis can only...
Israel's Iron Beam System (Image-Rafael/ Israel Defence Ministry) Israel's laser defence system: Israel has been one of the biggest victims of terrorism after India in the last few decades. Despite of the countless attacks it has faced from all sides, Israel has never failed to protect its citizens from any imminent danger. Since its formation, Israel has faced multi-front threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthi rebels, and even Iran, but every time the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have protected the residents of Israel. In the most recent defence, IDF have announced the deployment of a new unnamed laser defence system, which is laser defence system similar to Iron Beam. As per a report by the Jerusalem Post, the Israeli Defence Ministry has said that Israel's Rafael Advanced Defence Systems has created the world's advanced laser system called Iron Beam and Laser Defence System. The Jerusalem Post has also reported that the new laser defense system of Israel has some capabilities which set it apart from other air defences. The most talked-about feature of the defence system is that the system can face different types of air threats while working reliably in bad weather. In the significant development from this week, the Israeli military said that it intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward Israel after warning sirens were activated in some areas in the West Bank, as per a report by news agency IANS. Israel's aerial defence systems Earlier this week, Israel's aerial defence systems intercepted a missile launched by Houthi forces in Yemen, the Israeli military said in a statement. The missile triggered air raid sirens in Jerusalem, the Dead Sea area and settlements in the occupied West Bank, sending millions to shelters around midday. Hypersonic ballistic missile towards Israel? Yemen's Houthis also announced that the group had launched a hypersonic ballistic missile toward Ben Gurion Airport in central Israel, which was reportedly intercepted by Israeli defence systems earlier in the day. 'The rocket forces carried out a qualitative military operation targeting Ben Gurion Airport, using a hypersonic ballistic missile,' Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement broadcast by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV. (With inputs from agencies)
