Israel announces the commissioning of a laser weapon capable of intercepting drones and missiles. Cost: under 5 dollars per blow

With the official launch of the “Iron Beam” system, Israel becomes the first country to operate an energy weapon directed into the anti -aircraft defense. The new technology could fundamentally change the paradigm of the war with projectiles, at a time when the cost of defense increases vertiginously globally.

“Iron Beam”, the Israeli/Photo Anti-Dron System: X

The Ministry of Defense in Israel announced on Wednesday the completion of the development of a high -power laser defense system, meant to complete the country's multi -stratified air protection network. The new system, called “Iron Beam” (“iron radius”), will enter into operational service until the end of this year, being considered by the authorities of Tel Aviv a turning point in the national security strategy.

The system, developed by the companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, uses a laser with a power of 100 kilowatts, capable of neutralizing a variety of threats: drones, short -range rockets, mortars and even planes, as the recent results of the tests carried out in the south of Israel. Its integration in the well -known “Iron Dome” system is scheduled for the next months, adding a new layer, faster and, especially, incomparably cheaper.

Less than $ 5 per interception

The most important advantage of the Iron Beam system is not only in the reaction speed or the precision of the laser – but in the cost. Each interception with the help of the new technology costs less than $ 5, compared to tens of thousands needed to launch a classic intercepting missile. This drastic cost reduction could redefine how states conceive of anti -aircraft defense, especially in the face of persistent and high volume threats, such as attack drones.

However, there are limitations: the system does not work effectively during fog or rain, which makes it vulnerable under adverse weather conditions. The Ministry of Defense did not provide details on the exact success rate of interceptions.

Israel, at the forefront of the global race for directed energy weapons

Israel states that it is the first country in the world to complete the development and moves to the operational integration of a guided energy weapon. Other states, including the US, Germany and China, are working on similar systems, but the challenges related to miniaturization, cooling and stable energy sources have so far prevented the large -scale.

The statement of the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, emphasizes the strategic dimension of the project: “We have created a quick, precise and profitable interception system, which fundamentally changes the equation of threats and strengthens the sovereignty of Israel in a period of increasing international isolation.”

It is for the first time that Tel Aviv officially recognizes that it has used prototype versions of the system under real fighting conditions, in a regional context marked by climbing and instability.

Answer to a high intensity conflict

The announcement comes against the background of a prolonged conflict in the Gaza strip, started two years ago, following a massive attack by the Hamas group, a soldier with 1,200 dead, 250 kidnapped and over 3,000 rockets launched to the Israeli territory. Since then, tens of thousands of projectiles have been drawn over Israel, causing a radical rethink of the concept of air defense.

According to international estimates, the Israeli military response caused the death of over 65,000 people in Gaza and destroyed a significant part of the enclave infrastructure. Armed interventions have attracted harsh criticism from the international community, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently said that Israel must ensure “complete autonomy in security”, against the backdrop of diplomatic relations with Western partners.

Ukraine, among the few countries with active laser weapons

Against the backdrop of these developments, Ukraine is one of the few countries that, according to Kiev officials, already has laser weapons capable of intercepting air targets. General Vadim Sukharevskyi, former commander of the drone unit within the Ukrainian army, stated in 2024 that such systems were tested and used in the theaters of operations in the east of the country.

However, the technical capabilities of Ukrainian systems remain enveloped in confidentiality, and access to advanced technologies remains a major challenge in the absence of consistent military support.