Latest news with #MagenOr
NDTV
8 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Watch: Israel Becomes First Country To Shoot Down Enemy Drones With Laser Weapon
Israel has become the first country in the world to use laser weapons to shoot down enemy drones during the ongoing war in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force's Aerial Defense Array used the prototype laser air defences during the "Swords of Iron War" to reach a significant milestone in modern warfare, where the use of laser weapons has long been theorised. Developed by Israel-based defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, these energy weapons direct an intense beam of light at a target and use heat to damage or destroy it. "Throughout the current war, the IAF, including its Aerial Defense Array soldiers, studied and deployed the laser systems in the field, achieving outstanding interception rates that saved civilian lives and protected national assets," Rafael said in a statement. Brigadier General Yehuda Elmakayes, head of the ministry's defence and research directorate, confirmed that the use of prototypes "culminated" with the "world's first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield". "We are currently integrating these insights into the systems under development, while expanding the range of laser-based systems to protect Israeli civilians and IDF forces," he said. Laser beam weapon in action Video shared by Israel's Ministry of Defense showcased the laser weapon system in action as it made at least three interceptions. In one of the skirmishes, the laser could be seen igniting the drone's wingtip, causing it to burn and crash. These enemy flying weapons appeared similar to the types of drone threats Israel has faced from Hamas, Hezbollah, as well as the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The drones have a crucifix-like design with a V-tail at the rear. This is amazing 🇮🇱 During the last war, Israel conducted operational testing of the Magen Or laser interception system, mainly in the northern region, and the system recorded operational successes in the field of interception. — Adi 🎗 (@Adi13) May 28, 2025 BREAKING - During recent operations, the Israeli Defense Forces deployed the 'Magen Or' (Shield of Light) laser interception system in the northern sector for testing. The system successfully neutralized multiple hostile UAVs, including four Hezbollah drones, proving its… — Vanguard Intel Group 🛡 (@vanguardintel) May 28, 2025 The Israeli military intends to use the laser system in tandem with the powerful Iron Beam system," a larger network of similar systems that's in the works. Experts believe that laser systems are useful for eliminating cheaper enemy targets like drones rather than spending expensive missile interceptors.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel's billion-dollar laser weapon could dominate global defense – or be killed by politics
Israel's laser weapons debut in combat as NATO eyes next-gen defenses. Low-cost, battlefield-proven tech—but geopolitics may block export deals. The Defense Ministry's confirmation that Rafael's laser interception systems were used during the ongoing Swords of Iron war comes at a pivotal moment. NATO countries are preparing to raise their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a shift expected to generate some €800 billion in procurement. With Israeli companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems already embedded in NATO supply chains, their next-generation laser systems could become Israel's next multi-billion-dollar defense export—if diplomatic friction doesn't block the path. Despite more than 10,000 successful interceptions since 2011, Israel's Iron Dome air-defense system—developed by Rafael—has never been sold as a full system to any foreign country. While the United Kingdom purchased its battle management center and the United States Marine Corps acquired its interceptors, no nation to date has received the complete platform. This contrasts with the international success of other Israeli air-defense systems. The Arrow 3, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), was sold to Germany in a $3.5 billion deal. David's Sling, another Rafael system, was sold to Finland for €317 million. Rafael's Barak MX system has racked up roughly $10 billion in global sales. Despite Iron Dome's strong brand recognition, it has lagged behind these systems in terms of foreign adoption. Meanwhile, other Israeli-made weapons have already become NATO standards. Rafael's Spike anti-tank guided missiles have been sold in the billions of dollars and are produced in Germany, with previous manufacturing in Poland. In recent years, Elbit's PULS rocket artillery system has gained momentum, with confirmed sales to Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark—alongside several undisclosed NATO members. Ukraine's successful use of comparable systems against Russian targets has only added to the demand. Israel now hopes its laser-based interception technology will be next in line for global adoption—and it's betting billions on it. The Defense Ministry recently disclosed the existence of two laser systems: Magen Or (Iron Beam), a high-powered 100-kilowatt laser developed jointly by Rafael and Elbit Systems, and Lahav Barzel (Iron Sting), a smaller 30-kilowatt system designed by Rafael. Magen Or has intercepted short-range rockets at distances of up to 10 kilometers in tests. The IDF is expected to deploy an operational version by the end of the year. Lahav Barzel, which was used in combat for the first time during Swords of Iron, is more compact and energy-efficient. Rafael and Israeli vehicle manufacturer Plasan have already developed a mobile version mounted on Plasan's SandCat armored vehicle, enabling rapid redeployment between combat zones. Footage released by the Defense Ministry showed Lahav Barzel successfully intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Hezbollah. The laser doesn't obliterate the drones in dramatic fashion—rather, it focuses heat on the drone's wing or fuselage until the structural integrity fails and the UAV crashes. The cost per interception is just a few dollars, limited to the electricity required to power the laser. By contrast, using interceptor missiles or air-to-air munitions can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per engagement. For American readers, that cost-efficiency could resonate strongly, particularly given current U.S. debates over defense budgets and aid allocations. As warfare becomes increasingly reliant on drone technology—seen most visibly in Ukraine and Russia's tit-for-tat strikes involving hundreds of UAVs each week—Israel's laser defense systems offer something rare: proven battlefield results at a fraction of the price. The case for Israel's laser technology is not only tactical but financial. However, Rafael CEO Yoav Turgeman acknowledged that export success also depends on geopolitical considerations—particularly growing European criticism of Israeli operations in Gaza. France, for example, reportedly attempted to dissuade Germany from purchasing the Arrow 3 system, and other European countries have downplayed their acquisitions of Israeli-made systems in response to domestic political concerns. While some European defense ministries are eager to procure Israeli technologies, officials are increasingly constrained by the political environment. Nevertheless, the security rationale remains persuasive. NATO states such as Finland, Sweden, Poland, and Germany—countries increasingly concerned about potential Russian aggression—view laser interception systems as a vital new layer of defense. While the United States has deployed 60-kilowatt laser systems on naval vessels, Israel appears poised to be the first country to field a land-based laser system in operational service.
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@
