Military Space News
RAY GUNS
Israeli air force deploys first laser interception system

Israeli air force deploys first laser interception system

by AFP Staff Writers
Jerusalem (AFP) Dec 28, 2025

Israel's defence ministry said on Sunday it had deployed a new "Iron Beam" laser system for the air force to intercept aerial threats.

The laser system's main developers, the ministry's research and development department and defence contractor Rafael, delivered it to the air force at a ceremony in northern Israel.

"For the first time globally, a high-power laser interception system has achieved full operational maturity, successfully executing multiple interceptions," Defence Minister Israel Katz said at the ceremony, according to a statement.

"This monumental achievement... delivers a critical message to our enemies, near and far alike: do not challenge us, or face severe consequences," he said.

The handover marks a major milestone in a project more than a decade old.

"Israel has become the first country in the world to field an operational laser system for the interception of aerial threats, including rockets and missiles," said Yuval Steinitz, chairman of Rafael.

The laser system seeks to enhance and slash the cost of Israel's interception of projectiles, and will supplement other aerial defence capacities such as the more well-known Iron Dome.

Iron Dome offers short-range protection against missiles and rockets. The David's Sling system and successive generations of Arrow missiles are Israeli-American technology built to bring down ballistic missiles.

The defence ministry announced in early December that the laser system was complete, and would be deployed by the end of the month.

During the 12-day war launched by Israel against Iran in June, the country's missile defence system failed to intercept all the projectiles fired by Tehran toward Israeli territory.

Israel has since acknowledged being hit by more than 50 missiles during the war with Iran, resulting in 28 deaths.

Related Links
Learn about laser weapon technology at SpaceWar.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
RAY GUNS
Israel to deploy 'Iron Beam' laser defence by end 2025
Jerusalem (AFP) Dec 1, 2025
Israel's defence ministry announced on Monday the completion of a laser air defence system known as "Iron Beam", which will be deployed by the end of December. "The Iron Beam laser system is expected to fundamentally change the rules of engagement on the battlefield," Daniel Gold, head of defence ministry research and development, told a defence summit in Tel Aviv. "With development complete and a comprehensive testing programme that has validated the system's capabilities," he added, promising ... read more

RAY GUNS
Germany puts ballistic missile defence shield into service

What is Taiwan's T-Dome?

Space Force operationally accepts SciTec Forge missile warning ground system

SpaceX launches 21 satellites for U.S. military from California

RAY GUNS
Denmark starts work on rocket fuel facility for Ukraine

Sweden beefs up air defence in rearmament push

China slams Japan's plans to deploy missiles near Taiwan

Russian missile attack kills teenager in eastern Ukraine

RAY GUNS
RTX radar selected to support autonomous X 62A fighter testing

Germany opens new national drone defence centre

Turkey says out-of-control drone shot down coming from Black Sea

DLR completes ground roll tests of HAP alpha uncrewed high altitude solar aircraft

RAY GUNS
Europe backs secure satellite communications with multibillion euro package

SpainSat NG programme completed as second secure communications satellite launches

New Laboratory Showcases Advanced Satcom Capabilities for Australian Defence Force

European Response to Escalating Space Security Crisis

RAY GUNS
German defence giants battle over military spending ramp-up

Cyviz awarded two classified NATO defense contracts for mission critical visualization systems

NATO looking to be 'proactive' against Russian 'hybrid threats'; NATO to buy big from US to arm Ukraine

Five European NATO powers vow to tackle 'hybrid threats'

RAY GUNS
German MPs approve 50 bn euros in military purchases

Small firms join charge to boost Europe's weapon supplies

'Not our enemy': Rush to rearm sparks backlash in east Germany

US to sell bombs to Canada in $2.7-bn deal

RAY GUNS
Ukraine diplomat in Beijing for talks; Russian attacks injure scores in southern Ukraine

Defence of Europe's eastern flank an 'immediate' priority: eight EU leaders

Pentagon prepares major military reorganization plan: report

UK defence chief says 'whole nation' must meet global threats

RAY GUNS
Bright emission from hidden quantum states demonstrated in nanotechnology breakthrough

Novel technique reveals true behavior of next-generation MXenes

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.