US EditionIsrael Confirms First Use of Laser Weapons in Combat
- The Israel Defense Forces confirmed on May 28, 2025, that they used laser weapons to intercept dozens of aerial threats during combat along the Lebanese border and Gaza region.
- This deployment followed years of development of laser defense systems like the 10 kW Lite Beam prototype and early Iron Beam models designed to counter drones and rockets.
- The Lite Beam system shoots down multiple targets with precision laser beams at the speed of light, offers a low cost per shot compared to missile interceptors, and can be mounted on vehicles.
- Officials reported that laser weapon systems intercepted approximately 40 unmanned aerial vehicles, mostly launched by Hezbollah, representing what Rafael describes as the first time a high-energy laser has been effectively employed in combat.
- The proven laser defense technology suggests Israel plans wider deployment of Iron Beam by the end of 2025 alongside traditional interceptors to counter emerging drone and rocket threats cost-effectively.
62 Articles
62 Articles
Israel confirms first use of laser weapons in combat
Israel's Defense Ministry confirmed the use of laser-based air defense systems during its current conflict, marking the first official acknowledgment of deploying directed-energy weapons in combat. The ministry used two systems to intercept dozens of aerial threats, primarily drones launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. Officials declined to specify when they deployed the systems or how many interceptions were successful. The Israeli Defense Minis…
Israel’s Iron Beam Laser Is Blasting Hezbollah Drones Out of the Sky – Center for Security Policy
The Iron Beam, along with its related offshoots, represents the most advanced operational laser across the globe. Israel’s laser technologies have already conducted successful interceptions. According to a statement made by the nation’s Defense Ministry earlier this week, the cutting-edge Iron Beam system thwarted dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched by Hezbollah in 2024. The lower-powered version of the Jewish state’s Iron Beam la…
The Ministry of Defense declassified: Israel has been using laser air defense systems for six months: EADaily
EADaily, May 29th, 2025. During the fighting against Hezbollah, the IDF used a new laser air defense system. Information about the successful start of the combat use of laser technology in intercepting air targets was declassified by the country's Defense Ministry.
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