Israel Says It's Developed Laser Weapon to Stop Missiles, Drones

"Israel’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday said it completed the development of a powerful laser weapon that will become operational by the end of the year to bolster the country’s multi-level air defenses.

The 100-kilowatt Iron Beam laser, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems Ltd., successfully intercepted drones, rockets, mortars and aircraft in a series of tests in southern Israel, according to a ministry statement. It will be integrated into the Iron Dome missile defense shield in the coming months, offering another layer of protection.

The ministry did not disclose the interception rate of the system, which has numerous technical limitations and can’t work in cloudy weather. The technology has been touted as a cheaper way to repel drones and other projectiles, with each interception costing less than $5. Current missile-based systems run tens of thousands of dollars per hit."

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-17/israel-says-it-s-developed-laser-weapon-to-stop-missiles-drones?embedded-checkout=true